Pennsylvania Ag Connection - South Williamsport Community Park Complex Enhanced

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South Williamsport Community Park Complex Enhanced
Pennsylvania Ag Connection - 08/13/2018

Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn and Department of Aging Secretary Teresa Osborne joined Lycoming County commissioners and other local officials in the dedication of wellness enhancements in the South Williamsport Community Park Complex and STEP RiverWalk Center.

Built next to South Williamsport's Riverwalk trail, the RiverWalk Center now provides an expanded variety of recreational and wellness activities and services geared toward healthy aging. STEP (Success Through Engagement and Partnership) partners with the borough and others to offer services benefitting individuals, families, and communities.

"Partnership is the watchword in today's celebration of wide-ranging improvements to a complex that benefits so many and has been supported by so many," said Dunn. "The combined efforts of South Williamsport, DCNR, the Department of Aging, and other agencies all have paved the way for unique community assests that benefit seniors, but are being enjoyed by all."

"Today's Pathways to Fitness dedication symbolizes the Wolf Adminstration's commitment to improving community health and enhancing Pennsylvania's trail system," said Osborne. "The success of this project emphasizes that regardless of age or stage of life, by working together, we can blaze a trail of wellness that connects neighborhoods and people to one another."

A Department of Aging investment of $90,000 benefitted the STEP Inc. Office of Aging, the local Community Action Agency, and the Area Agency on Aging for Lycoming and Clinton counties. Funding enabled purchase and installation of fitness trail equipment, bicycles, walking poles, and implementation of a Pathways to Fitness Program.

The Borough of South Williamsport received a DCNR Keystone Community Grant of $75,000, earmarked for its RiverWalk and related parking lot improvements, walking path connectors, and the purchase and installation of playground equipment and signage.

"STEP, along with South Williamsport Borough, is greatly appreciative of the investment made by both DCNR and the Department of Aging to provide well-rounded recreational opportunities for the general public, including our seniors," said STEP President & CEO James D. Plankenhorn. "We look forward to future collaborations to continue to build the recreation network in the region."

Built on the site of former DCNR offices at the corner of Charles Street and East Central Avenue, the RiverWalk Center enables easy access to South Williamsport's Riverwalk trail. The building was renovated/constructed by STEP, which incorporated brick and wood materials in the new building. The RiverWalk Center is STEP's newest center for healthy aging. Activities focus on wellness, socialization, and nutrition. Social and recreational activities include card parties, art classes, crafts, holiday festivities, square dancing, wood carving, computer access, and picnics.

The Pathways to Fitness initiative was funded as a Health Pilot Project by DCNR and the Department of Aging, and made possible through partnerships with STEP and the Borough of South Williamsport.

Geared to benefit a community with many aging residents, and building upon existing DCNR investments in the area, the project seeks to increase connections to the Susquehanna Riverwalk Trail and provide community assets -- both indoor and outdoor -- for long-term, healthy lifestyles.

Step Inc. is a private, non-profit community action agency, providing services to low-income and disadvantaged individuals and families. For details, visit: www.stepcorp.org.

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