The National Physical Activity Society—a nonprofit organization promoting public health approaches and collaboration to create active communities—has recognized Columbia, Lancaster County, in their “Stories from Small Towns” report.

The report is part of a project to demonstrate that structural changes to make walking easier can be carried out in America’s thousands of small towns and not just its big cities.

The society’s report was particularly impressed with Columbia’s Susquehanna River Park (photo), with four acres now refitted with a trail system and a new building with educational center. The borough obtained several grants to fund this project, including from DCNR.

“We are very humbled to receive this recognition nationally,” said Columbia Mayor Leo Lutz.  “Revitalizing our river park and connecting trail systems has been part of a bigger effort to not only make the community more walkable and offer more recreational opportunities but also as a component of our economic development efforts to bring more visitors and foot traffic into our downtown business district.”

Click Here for a fact sheet of Columbia Borough efforts.

NewsClips:

During Fall Foliage Season, Money Could Grow On Trees

Officials Evaluate Condition Of Presque Isle Beaches

More Water Fountains For Schuylkill Trail

New Trailhead Coming To Lebanon Valley Rail Trail

Improvements Underway At Ashley Miners’ Memorial Park

(Reprinted from the October 21 edition of the Resource newsletter from DCNR.   Click Here to sign up for your own copy (bottom of the page).)

10/26/2015