Brackenridge man set to complete 150-mile walk to boost Tarentum church project

At 70-plus years old, Mick McArdle of Brackenridge decided to tackle the Great Allegheny Passage from Cumberland, Md., to Point State Park in Pittsburgh — 150 miles total — to raise money for a new community center in Tarentum.

“I’m a little tired,” McArdle said, on Day 8, having just passed the trail’s 111-mile marker. “I’ve got some blisters on my feet and my left shoulder is a little sore, but I’m grateful. I’ve been well taken care of by my family and friends.”

McArdle took on the challenge to raise money and awareness for Station 411, the proposed neighborhood gathering spot slated for the former Rite Aid building along Corbet Street.

The building was gifted in 2019 to Abundant Joy Fellowship, which has a church at 411 First Ave.

McArdle expects to cross the finish line Wednesday, having raised more than $4,000 from his journey.

Pastor Cathy Blythe sees Station 411 as a place for people to connect to their purpose and to each other.

“We will offer a variety of children and family-centered programs for all in the surrounding areas,” she said.

“We have been given a spacious, three-floor building in the heart of Tarentum. It has great bones, but is in need of a complete renovation.

“The Lord has given us so much vision for what He wants to do in this place.”

The 35,000-square-foot building is assessed at just over $175,000, according to the Allegheny County Real Estate Portal.

Blythe said Station 411 will focus on immersing children in the arts, with dedicated space for music lessons, drama performances, art classes and a gallery in the first-floor common area.

There are plans for a child care center as well as an event center on the upper floors.

Adults also will find solace at the site. Building plans include a commercial kitchen, which will be used to provide meals for the community.

“Our long-term goal is to have one meal a day free to the public,” Blythe said.

“This is a place for healing hearts and for meeting needs.”

McArdle said the 10-day walk is called the Isaiah 40:31 Walk, a religious reference to strength for the embattled and continued stamina amid a challenge.

“They shall walk and not become weary,” McArdle said, referencing the passage.

He took on the challenge to get more eyes on the project. He has been talking to people along the trail and leaving flyers along the way. In return, he hoped people would sponsor the miles, walk with him or get the word out in each town.

The Ford City native is an avid walker, doing most of his training on the Butler-Freeport Community Trail. About 18 months ago, he wondered about stepping up his game — and doing it for a good cause.

“It just came to me. Why not take this adventure and turn it into a walk-a-thon?” he said.

“After talking about the finances for Station 411, and realizing the building is badly in need of work, I shared the crazy idea with the elders in my church and things just started to click.”

A member since 1990 of the former Dayspring Church, which eventually turned into Abundant Joy, McArdle has been hoofing it about 14 miles a day.

He hit two days of downpours but said most of the trek has been in the mid-60s, perfect walking weather.

After reaching The Point in Pittsburgh on Wednesday, McArdle said he’ll probably “stay off my feet and get some sleep.

“But, I’m already thinking about doing it again next year.”