Etna holds ceremony for opening of Riverfront Trail and Park

After some covid-related delays, the Etna Riverfront Trail and Park is open.

Local and state representatives came together on Oct. 22 below the 62nd Street Bridge to celebrate with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, food trucks and a concert by Kea Michaels.

Rain held off until the evening, but didn’t dampen the spirits of those who attended.

Introductions were made by Etna council president Peter Ramage and the project history was explained by borough manager Mary Ellen Ramage.

“In 2011, Allegheny County started the Allegheny County Trails Initiative. They came out and talked to 17 communities from Millvale all the way up to Harrison. That was the first (time) we had envisioned connecting with the riverfront,” Mary Ellen Ramage said.

“We didn’t physically start work until late 2019, and it really started full steam right before covid, so it got delayed again. Phase 2 work started late last year and was completed a couple of months ago,” Ramage said.

Speakers included Sen. Lindsey Williams, Lauren Imgrund, the deputy secretary of DCNR; County Executive Rich Fitzgerald, Rep. Sara Innamorato and David Woodwell, the president of the Pennsylvania Environmental Council.

The park is located on the site of a former brownfield on the Allegheny River within the Rivers of Steel Heritage Area.

“The opening of the Etna Riverfront Park and Trail is an asset for the community — and the region as a whole. Southwestern Pennsylvania and the Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area have been at the forefront of brownfield development not just for commercial use but also for public access,” said Rivers of Steel president and CEO August Carlino.

Funding for the project came from multiple organizations, including the RK Mellon Foundation, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and the Southwest Planning Commission, among many others.

Multiple displays can be seen at the beginning of the Etna Trail, with information about the Etna Ecodistrict and the birds that can be found on the trail.

“The goal is to convert underutilized, formerly industrialized riverfront land into green spaces that add to the quality of life for local residents, while inviting visitors to experience first-hand the natural beauty of our waterways and river valleys,” Carlino said. “The revitalization efforts behind this project have resulted in a destination that will attract and inspire people, and also serve the land itself through its rainwater management system. It will be a model for other communities and their revitalization efforts.”