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The Central Blair Recreation and Parks Commission is known mainly for its youth basketball programs, water recreation facilities and management of playgrounds and parks in and around Altoona.
But trails took the lead at a public meeting this week to gather information on the commission's proposed new comprehensive plan.
During simultaneous breakout sessions on programs, facilities and trails, the latter drew more than a dozen attendees eager for the commission to make Altoona a nexus for connecting various named and unnamed, actual and potential trails that now weave toward the city's boundaries to create a regional network.
Connections may be possible with a proposed Antis Township trail from Bellwood to Juniata, a trail that runs behind Forever Broadcasting toward Hollidaysburg, a former railbed that runs from Geeseytown to Reese, potential trails that could run along the Norfolk Southern mainline, trails that ascend the mountain from the area of the Horseshoe Curve to Cambria County, various trails atop the mountain, the Six-to-Ten trail starting at Foot of Ten, the Lower Trail between Flowing Springs and Williamsburg, the former Wopsy Railroad line, trails that connect Red Hill with Calvert Hills, the trail along Park Avenue in Lakemont, trails at Valley View, trails along various power lines, potential trails around at least one reservoir, potential trails within the Strawberry Hills tract in Logan Township and potential designated street routes where off-road alternatives are impractical.
Mapping such connections in a comprehensive plan, then conducting feasibility studies on the most promising ones could open up a wealth of opportunities for grants from agencies like the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the state Department of Community and Economic Development, said Commission Executive Director Mike Hofer, who moderated the trail breakout session, while consultants Sue Landes and Ann Yost moderated the others.
Multi-municipal efforts tend to fare better with granting agencies, and the connections the commission contemplates are naturally multi-municipal, Hofer said.
One of the challenges of extending the proposed Antis trail from its proposed southern endpoint in northern Juniata would be obtaining permission from Norfolk Southern to use its right of way -- especially where there would be little extra room along the tracks starting at the Juniata Locomotive Shop, Hofer said.
There will clearly be a need to settle for designating routes along streets to make some connections, city Mayor Matt Pacifico said.
Those stretches on streets are best minimized, especially to avoid hazards for children, as trails are best when they accommodate families, architect Pat Baechle said.
A dedicated lane for walking or biking would be the ideal when it's necessary to use a street, but that can be difficult to obtain from PennDOT, landscape architect Steve Parks said.
Using Strawberry Hills might allow for minimizing those street stretches, suggested Cassandra Schmick, Logan Township planning director.
It will take creativity, Hofer said.
Getting permission from private landowners other than Norfolk Southern is likely to be a challenge for many routes, according to attendee Paul "Greg" Simendinger.
Property owners can make it difficult, said a runner, citing the recent acquisition of a piece of property that includes a small slice of ground crossed by a mountain powerline that had been a popular route for hiking.
The runner suggested creation of a section of lighted trail at least 5 miles long, to allow for safe training after dark for those preparing for long races like marathons -- especially in winter.
While a couple of attendees cited the benefits of easy-to-negotiate flat trails, Baechle cited the satisfaction of "climbing trails," especially when there's a vista on top as a reward for hard work.
Creating a trail network will provide opportunities for access to otherwise hidden historical sites, adding to the appeal and educational value, Simendinger said.
As the breakout session on trails was breaking up, Hofer asked if anyone had anything to add.
"We need 'em," attendee Randy Green said of the trails.