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South Bethlehem Greenway
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This rails-to-trails project has been in the planning process for three years, with the initial planning carried out from 2005 to 2006. Last year the City finalized purchase of the 60’ wide swath of old railbed from Union Station on the north to Saucon Park on the south. That enabled us to kick planning into high gear, with actual construction of the Greenway projected to start in the summer of 2009. The first section to be built will be from New Street eastward to Fillmore Street, which will include five street crossings (please see this link for rendering). The City, along with our consultant Simone Collins Landscape Architects, has drawn up plans for Phase 1, along with a conceptual rendering of the entire Greenway. A Skate Plaza, near the intersection of East 4th Street and Daly Avenue, will be built in multiple phases. The Skate Plaza is envisioned to be a regional draw, with planning still under way.

On November 20 and 22, 2008, DESIGN CHARRETTES were held to present the conceptual plans and gather public comment and input. Those comments were then incorporated into a “final” plan draft and a Public Meeting was held at the Forte Building on December 4, 2008. We think many comments and concerns have been incorporated into the Greenway planning process, and the current plan for Phase 1 was well received. The City, mainly through grants and support from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) and PennDOT, will be able to build the “hardscape”, including a 12’ wide pervious pavement path, street crossings, lighting and basic landscaping. There will be many other improvements—in planning, volunteering and construction--which will need private and public financing and coordination. This is YOUR greenway . . . please take a moment to look at the sketches, and send us your thoughts about the physical features and cultural opportunities which are available in this Greenway construction project.

Please share your ideas.

SkatePark

The sport of skateboarding, BMX and inline skating has become an established recreational activity in the City of Bethlehem. These extreme sports enthusiasts deserve to have a place for their sport of choice just the same as basketball players need hoops and swimmers need pools.

The City of Bethlehem is fortunate to be able to offer the community a wide variety of sports facilities. The creation of a skatepark would provide skaters a safe haven to perform the sport they enjoy as well as eliminating the need for them to use public and private property to skate, which could land them into trouble.

The City of Bethlehem Parks and Recreation Department is requesting your support in their grant application for a proposed skate park on the South Bethlehem Greenway development. It is estimated that approximately $200,000 will be needed to fund this project. For more information, contact the Bethlehem Parks Department Office at 610-865-7081 Send letters of support to:

City of Bethlehem
Parks and Recreation
10 East Church St.
Bethlehem, PA 18018-6025

Download letter of support

 

 
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