PITTSBURGH - Tim McLaughlin, a Shamokin native, was instrumental in assisting a nonprofit group that promotes recreational use of Pittsburgh's riverfronts.
Friends of the Riverfront, a nonprofit group that promotes recreational use of Pittsburgh's riverfronts, has completed the purchase of the Aspinwall Marina for use as a community riverfront park and trail connection.
McLaughlin, president of the Fox Chapel District Association which made critical, early financial commitments to the project, said, "The future of the property as a riverfront park is a very important asset for our area and continues FCDA's commitment to improving the quality of life in this area, especially our ongoing commitment to trail development along the riverfront."
According to a press release from Friends of the Riverfront, the marina property at 285 River Ave., Aspinwall, was purchased for $2.3 million from owner David Kushon with funds raised and committed by Friends of the Riverfront and through a $500,000 bridge loan from the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy's Colcom Revolving Fund for Local Land Trusts.
With the purchase of the property complete, the marina will now be converted into a mixed use parcel that includes a riverfront park and trail connection along the Allegheny River. The marina will remain open and in operation for boat owners during the renovation phase of the property. A formal public opening of the park is not yet planned.
McLaughlin, a son of Vera McLaughlin, Shamokin, and the late Joseph McLaughlin, added, "This program was unprecendented. It has been very successful, and we plan to continue to provide assistance in the future."
McLaughlin, a 1984 graduate of Our Lady of Lourdes Regional High School, has served as president of the Fox Chapel District Association for two years and has been on its board of directors for nine years. The association is a community group that helps fund parks, trails and other community activities.
McLaughlin resides in Pittsburgh with his wife, Luann, and their four daughters.
"We are very excited with this project and how it has transpired," said Tom Baxter, executive director of Friends of the Riverfront. "This project had a very aggressive timetable and would not have worked without the incredible support of individuals, foundations, the county and state."
He added, "We have gotten over what is perhaps the biggest hurdle," said Baxter. "Now we have to move quickly into a new mode for the continued fundraising for planning and development of the park."
The purchase of the marina developed very quickly, especially given the fundraising that had to be done.
Friends of the Riverfront signed an agreement of sale on the property in late January and the community immediately began efforts to secure the required funds to complete the purchase. Fundraising activities included T-shirt sales, a "Mom Prom," local parades, a Beatles tribute party, a "Pennies for the Park" campaign, as well as a number of major gifts from private donors.
"This is truly a 'community' park,' said Susan Crookston, an Aspinwall resident who spearheaded the project and much of the fundraising effort. "The ability of the community to come together to show support for this project made a real impact on other funders and demonstrated the desire and need for this asset. Our thanks go out to everyone who was involved. They can be very proud of what they accomplished and what can happen at the site in the future."
Founded in 1991, Friends of the Riverfront is dedicated to the development, expansion, promotion, and stewardship of the Three Rivers Water Trail and Three Rivers Heritage Trail in the Pittsburgh region.
The 20-year-old membership-based nonprofit is committed to increasing awareness and engagement with the Pittsburgh region's rivers and riverfronts through activities, stewardship and expansion of water and land trails.
Friends of the Riverfront works tirelessly throughout Allegheny County to reconnect communities with their rivers and riverfronts, and is the water trail manager of the Three Rivers Water Trail, a network of non-motorized craft access points in the Pittsburgh region.
The organization has been instrumental in the development and stewardship of the Three Rivers Heritage Trail, a dedicated biking, hiking, and walking trail around Pittsburgh. Extending over 22 miles along both sides of the Allegheny, Monongahela and Ohio Rivers, it is an almost complete public route for cyclists, walkers, runners, and in some places. roller bladders.
Additional mileage is planned, including continuation along the Allegheny River as part of the Erie to Pittsburgh Trail Alliance. Once a year, Friends of the Riverfront highlights use of both trails by hosting the Pittsburgh Triathlon & Adventure Race.
More information can be obtained by visiting www.friendsoftheriverfront.org/files/triathlon.html.
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