By Dee Reitz • The Current Contributing Writer
Jim Thorpe is a mecca for outdoor adventure that you would expect in the Pocono Mountains. Nestled in the scenic Lehigh Gorge and known as “The Switzerland of America”, the town is recognized by national media as a best adventure town to visit.
Trails are documented to add economic value to their host communities like Jim Thorpe and the Carbon County region. Visitors to the area use the county lot, given it’s close location to trail – friendly businesses and biking access to the new Mansion House Pedestrian Bridge.
The Jim Thorpe Trail Connection Master Site Development Plan project site is owned by Carbon County and consists of a county parking lot, with a boat launch facility located in the center of the site. The County priorities in implementing the project phasing for the start of this trail connection for improved access for cyclists to access the Mansion House Pedestrian Bridge is important to Carbon County Commissioner, Chris Lukasevich.
“The D&L Connection for routing of cyclists and pedestrians through the county parking lot is an important safety and accessibility project for the commissioners that will serve both residents and visitors alike”.
Lukasevich said “while safe transitioning through the lot is the top priority, we are striving to ensure the option selected allows for enhanced views of the river, facilitates potential trail and observation area enhancements, minimizes loss of essential parking spaces, and does not adversely impact river bank’s stabilizing effect”.
“The County has funds in place and a good design was started” said Elissa Garofalo, Executive Director of the Delaware and Lehigh Trail. Garofalo recently celebrated 20 years at the D&L National Heritage Corridor and is centered on helping the community and stakeholders make connections between the various pillars.
The demolition of the old Route 903 Bridge opens a void providing observation views of the Lehigh river and surrounding landscape. This focal point to view the natural beauty is part of the amenity options that further enhance the aesthetics, functionality, and use of the county parking lot.
“While an observation area has been included as an amenity option, financial constraints will likely not allow it’s incorporation into this phase of the project. However, it is the commissioner’s intent that the design option selected will provide sufficient flexibility to consider future incorporation of a viewing area along the river, likely in the area of the old Route 903 Bridge”.
Suggested Trail Design consists of three choices for Trail surface types throughout the proposed Jim Thorpe Trail Design. “The disturbance area of the project is expected to be under one acre and thus will not require storm water controls”, said Lukasevich. “However, we understand the importance of protecting the river from residual parking lot water runoff and associated sedimentation and contaminants. Similarly, we recognize the need to mitigate against the erosion of the river bank and destruction of current vegetation that has a stabilizing effect”.
“The commissioners and our design team are committed to the maximum use of semi-permeable/compacted aggregate material that provides durability, minimizes runoff and provides filtration qualities” said commissioner Lukasevich.
Lukasevich’s vision for the project is that, “I see the project as a continuance and critical enhancement of an incredibly successful initiative, the D&L Trail. It has clearly increased recreational opportunities and thus quality of life for county residents who I represent and whose interests are my number one priority. However, like most residents, I highly value visitors to our county and want to ensure they have an optimal, safe, and scenic experience as they transit, initiate or terminate their D&L Trail experience in the county’s seat, Jim Thorpe. The commissioners look forward to working with all stakeholders to secure the necessary funding to further enhance the D&L transit through county owned property”.
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