Sharpsburg walking tour showcases borough’s past, future

Tawnya Panizzi
Tuesday, April 23, 2019 12:14 p.m. | Tuesday, April 23, 2019 12:14 p.m.

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Tawnya Panizzi | Tribune-Review

The interior of St. Mary Church in Sharpsburg. The church is part of St. Juan Diego Parish.

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Sharpsburg Community Library along Main Street.

A new walking tour of Sharpsburg gives a nod to the borough’s past while showcasing its steps toward future growth.

Sponsored by the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the University of Pittsburgh, “WalkWorks” takes people past Heinz Memorial Plaza and the Chief Guyasuta statue, St. Mary Church and the James Sharp Landing, among other familiar spots.

“The walking tour is a kind of neat program,” Councilman Jon Jaso said.

“It goes through the borough and takes some nice twists and turns past some of the things that you might not recognize driving by.”

The route follows Main Street to Garnier, High and 8^th streets, before looping to North Canal and 16^th streets and back to Main.

The nearly two-mile trek is intended to boost physical activity but also to create a fact-filled route to showcase the community.

“It reminds you of what really makes our little town special,” Jaso said. “I’m certainly not in the best of shape, but it’s a really easy walk and I get a chance to see my neighbors.”

Among the highlights of the Sharpsburg walking tour are:

• Heinz Plaza, North Canal Street: A memorial to the borough’s most famous residents, H.J. Heinz and Chief Guyasuta.

• St. Mary Church, Penn Street: The borough’s most iconic architectural site. The parish was founded by German immigrants in 1852.

• Corporal Kenneth Curley Memorial Parklet, 8th and Main streets: The park honors the memory of a Sharpsburg WWII veteran who survived as a prisoner of war until he was rescued.

• Sharpsburg Community Library and Garden, Main Street: The library underwent a $1 million renovation in 2015 and serves as a hub for learning and socializing. The garden which sits behind it offers raised beds where residents grow fruits and veggies.

• James Sharp Landing, 13th Street: This spot houses public boat and kayak launches, and a fishing pier.

The 1.83-mile walk also takes participants past several borough parks and emerging businesses.

To download a map of the walking route, visit sharpsburgborough.com.