Greenbelt Brief
While many communities are spending millions across the nation to establish a greenway system of trails, we are most fortunate to already have one. Our trail is maintained by volunteers, and our six municipal partners. This initial “Greenbelt Brief” outlines the history and future of the Paxtang Parkway — a key link in the 23-mile Capital Area Greenbelt (CAGA) — which is getting some much-needed revitalization.
A Parkway is Born
The Paxtang Parkway was planned in 1903 as part of the City Beautiful movement and opened in 1916 as a carriage trail through 60 acres of forested land donated to the City of Harrisburg. In those thirteen years, national car ownership went from less than one to 35 of every 1,000 people. The Parkway was eventually opened to motorized traffic but has been closed since 1982 because of maintenance and safety concerns. This approximately 1.5-mile wooded section is an integral part of The Capital Area Greenbelt.
The Parkway connects Paxtang at Derry Street to the south and Harrisburg to the north at Market Street Extended. The Parkway runs alongside a beautiful spring-fed creek that is joined by smaller streams before itself joining Spring Creek and ultimately draining into the Susquehanna River less than a quarter mile below Paxton Creek. Thousands of people use this multi-use trail regularly for recreation and commuting. Owned by the City of Harrisburg with which it borders but resides in Susquehanna Township and Paxtang Borough. It also borders Penbrook Borough.
A Brief History of Land Use
The immediate area around the parkway was forested many years ago until it was cleared for farming. The farming caused erosion, and the valley filled with what is now called legacy sediment. The land was extensively developed starting in the 1940’s and the stormwater runoff was directed into the creek eroding the legacy sediment. It wasn’t until 2003 that post construction stormwater management was required by PA law.
Obviously, this well-worn area has suffered from a lack of attention for many years. Until the Greenbelt volunteers got to work to restore this community treasure.
The Future Looks Bright
About five years ago CAGA began actual work to restore the streambanks and then reconstruct the trail. Not only is the trail bumpy it has become unstable and continues to erode. Like so many infrastructure projects, efforts can seem to move glacially slow. But there’s good news — after over a decade of planning, fundraising, and implementation, the final phases of work will begin in November 2024, with an anticipated completion date of the Paxtang Parkway restoration sometime in 2026.
Construction
Before work can commence on the trail, the creek and the riparian areas must be repaired, or the new trail would be damaged by erosion. The only access to this creek is the trail. As this restoration is being performed, closures will occur.
CAGA and the contractors involved will provide regular and timely updates and position signage for predetermined detours. These will be for short periods of closure; however, the benefits far outweigh the brief interruptions. Work is being done in phases with sections being addressed progressively until completed. The trail will be narrowed to twelve feet with four-foot shoulders on both sides and meander along the creek making this trail accessible for future generations to come.
The project is being funded by CAGA, The City of Harrisburg, various governmental and private partners, and of course with proceeds from CAGA’s Tour de Belt held each June.
Reference
https://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2014/06/capital_area_greenbelt_erosion.html
When an area is more inviting to walking and biking it is a better place to live to work or to play.
The health, environmental, and economic benefits are priceless. Org. If you would like to explore volunteer opportunities, please visit our volunteer page using the button below.
The Capital Area Greenbelt Association is a 100% volunteer 501c3 organization in coordination with the municipalities of Harrisburg, Susquehanna twp., Swatara twp., Penbrook borough, and Paxtang borough.
Whether you volunteer or not, come out and bike or hike the Greenbelt – it’s a community asset for all of us to enjoy!