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Wednesday, September 18, 2002

By Jonathan Barnes

An effort to create the Mon Valley Water Trail had residents and environmental activists beating a path Saturday to the Marina at McKees Point.

The daylong "River Dialogue: Creating the Mon Valley Water Trail" encouraged the roughly 150 people who attended to think creatively about how the Monongahela and Youghiogheny rivers could be used more effectively for recreational purposes.

The event -- sponsored by the 3 Rivers 2nd Nature, Friends of the Riverfront and the Pennsylvania Environmental Council -- featured morning presentations in the Palisades building that gave participants an overview of water trail development and the evolving Mon Valley ecosystem.

In the afternoon, participants were led by environmental design and planning associates in workshop groups meant to create three distinct plans for a regional water trail to provide access to the Monongahela and Youghiogheny rivers from Pittsburgh, Rankin, Duquesne, McKeesport, Elizabeth Borough and Elizabeth Township, Dravosburg, Clairton and Glassport.

McKeesport Councilwoman Laura Jenkins, council President James Brewster and Mayor Wayne Kucich threw their support behind the effort by attending the event.

"I think it's neat," said Mary Messina, a 25-year resident of McKeesport, who worked the Palisades refreshment stand at the event. "I just hope they have the money to do what they want to do."

She wasn't aware the Marina at McKees Point existed until a few years ago. Now she often goes there to relax.

John Stephens, Friends of the Riverfront executive director, said the attendance at the event indicated a growing awareness of the river's potential.

Jonathan Barnes is a free-lance writer.