First Posted: 9/27/2013
The West Side Trail (WST) took another significant shot in the arm, as the next phase of the trail was open for business. A grand opening, which included a ribbon-cutting ceremony, took place at Dailey Park in West Wyoming.
The borough of West Wyoming sponsored a $172,000 grant from the Dept. of Conservation & Natural Resources. PennDOT kicked in over $1.4 million through their Safe Routes to School Grant as well as an Enhancement Grant. The total project funding totals over $2.1 million.
The multi-municipal project began in 2000 as a mission to promote a healthy lifestyle and cut down on childhood obesity.
The sidewalk and bike path network, which runs from West Pittston to Edwardsville, includes routes to Tenth Street Elementary in Wyoming Borough and the Wyoming Area Secondary Center and JFK Elementary School, both in Exeter.
The trail totals 19-miles in length offering vast scenery while offering safe connection between towns, parks, historical sites and open spaces. Four-schools are located along the trail.
Penna. State Rep. Phyllis Mundy, a long-time supporter of the project, was on-hand for the ribbon cutting in West Wyoming.
Also supporting the project and on hand to speak were Penna. State Sen. John Yudichak along with U.S. Congressman Matt Cartwright’s aid, Bob Morgan.
Other local government officials present were Mayor Bob Boyer, Wyoming; Mayor Joe Herbert, West Wyoming; John Bolin, Wyoming Area School Board president; Joe Pizano, Tom Shannon, and Denise Adams, Exeter Council; and Tom Marriott, PennDOT.
WST originators Karen Szwast and former West Pittston mayor, Bill Goldsworthy, now with the Governor’s Northeastern PA office, were present. Both serve on the WST Commission.