A group in Johnstown wants to promote the recreational and economic value of rivers in the area.
The group Vision 2025 is hosting an event Wednesday, August 16 called “Refresh our Rivers.” Members of the organization want the public to jump in and help brainstorm ways to better use rivers in the area.
“I grew up in Johnstown. I live by one of the runs. The rivers. They run through the entire city. I live here now, I own a home here now. I’d like to see the rivers more utilized,” said Jessica Clifford, Rivers Capture Team Lead.
They also want to change the perception that rivers in the area are inaccessible, polluted and unsafe.
“Refresh our Rivers speaks to getting people interested in looking at the rivers in an entirely new way,” said Ryan Kieta, a facilitator for Vision 2025.
Vision 2025 leaders said they want to improve access to the rivers, hold events and recreational activities, and market the rivers as an asset for the area.
“I’m hoping it will be a place to enjoy and bring economic development,” said Clifford.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is conducting a flood plain study of the city’s river walls to assess safety, structural and environmental factors. The study will be complete next fall.
Vision 2025 leaders said they have to wait for those results before they can plan any major riverway improvements. In the meantime, they hope getting residents involved in smaller projects will have a ripple effect.
“People have talked about artwork, ziplines, being able to kayak. So, we just need to actually start moving forward with some of that,” Clifford said.
“This is a community that’s been cut off from its rivers for close to 100 years. People are beginning to realize after several years of environmental improvements and commitment from the state, that things can change,” said Kieta.
Change that can only happen if people speak up and take the plunge.
The Refresh our Rivers event takes place Wednesday, August 16 from 5:30 p.m.- 7 p.m. It will be held at the Crow’s Nest restaurant on Tire Hill Road in Johnstown. It is open to the public and free to attend.
