So much 'dam' potential!

(Tracie Gordnier is president of the Austin Dam Memorial Assn., owner and caretaker of the Austin Dam Memorial Park)

Operation of the Austin Dam Memorial Park is a major undertaking that has been a success, due to the dedication of many community-minded volunteers and financial supporters.

Austin Dam Memorial Assn. leaders recently met with a Pa. Bureau of State Parks recreation consultant. Among the strategies that emerged was the possible hiring of a consultant to create a master site plan.

ADMA also recently began discussions with Austin Borough over possible expansion of the park to the borough-owned Bayless Pulp and Paper Company mill ruins, located just north of the town. This would establish a direct link between the park and the borough.

ADMA has adopted a vision for that land in the event an arrangement can be made:

• to clean up the property, making it safe for visitors;

• to use existing structures and materials to create landscapes, picnic areas, and walking paths;

• to honor the labors and the spirit of the men and women who founded the town of Austin and display interesting historic facts;

• to create a place where community organizations can hold festivals, art and craft shows, heritage events and other activities.

This expansion would allow visitors to access the park from northern or southern gateways. It would also create a six-mile loop for biking, skiing, running, hiking, nature walks, birdwatching and other recreation, with interesting stops along the way.

Another benefit would be direct access to the property from Pa. Rt. 872.

ADMA envisions walking tours of an area that was important to the Austin area's development and vitality.

There are some exciting possibilities: bronze statues of workers or other interpretive exhibits honoring the people who supported their families, working long hours at the mill; benches welded from tools and equipment of the era; markers detailing the valley's history; tasteful landscaping to complement a forested walking trail; preserving what paper mill ruins are worth saving, while "recycling" demolition debris for trail surfacing and other practical uses.

The year 2011 marks the centennial of the Sept. 30 flood. By pursuing an ambitious plan today, we can help make an expanded park a reality by that significant anniversary date.

Wouldn't it be great to see every community member's, and every organization's, handprint on this legacy for future generations?

Please contact the ADMA with your thoughts or suggestions at austindam @yahoo.com or 814-647- 3318.