'Gateway to Natrona' on tap near kayak launch

The kayak launch along the Allegheny River in Harrison’s Natrona section soon could become an enhanced destination for people seeking shorefront recreation.

The Harrison commissioners are hoping to move forward on a project to create a nine-space, paved parking lot at the corner of Sycamore Street and River Avenue, new sidewalks and a “Welcome to Natrona” sign. A tree canopy and sculpture also are being considered.

The cost of the work, being hailed as a much-needed gateway to the community, would be about $141,000.

“The Natrona riverfront is one of the most pristine areas between here and Pittsburgh,” Commissioner Chuck Dizard said. “There is no obstruction on the riverfront with (no) commercial or industrial developments and no railroad tracks, like so much of the rest of the riverfront.”

The project would provide sought-after designated parking.

People who use the kayak launch currently have to find available spots on nearby residential streets. The project also would provide landscaping, stormwater control and a crosswalk to promote a safer way across River Avenue.

Waiting for funding

Commissioners are waiting for word on three grants that would pay for the work.

Money was applied for by the nonprofit Friends of the Riverfront, on behalf of the township, and includes two grants to the state Department of Community and Economic Development. Another grant was submitted to the state Department of Community and Natural Resources.

Courtney Mahronich Vita, Friends’ director of trail development, expects the grants winners to be announced this fall.

Township Manager John Pallone said he was not familiar with the project or the grants since they were applied for before his hiring.

Commissioner Jamie Nee, whose district includes the Natrona neighborhood, also said she was unable to provide details on the project.

Courtesy of Friends of the Riverfront

This rendering shows the design of a proposed parking lot, trees and welcome sign that would sit near the kayak launch at Sycamore Street and River Road in the Natrona section of Harrison. It is a vacant lot now.

Established in 2013, the kayak launch sits along Veterans Way and is part of the Friends of the Riverfront’s Three Rivers Water Trail.

It now is easier to access thanks to the late-August opening of a short trail that links Natrona Community Park with the riverfront, about two blocks away.

“This short route (between the park and the kayak launch) represents an attractive and safe walking/hiking/bicycling/wheelchair/baby buggy route for residents and visitors that someday will connect to other links in the Three Rivers Heritage Trail,” Dizard said.

The land for the potential parking lot and quasi-green space was donated in 2019 by ATI.

Mahronich Vita said the property represents the chance to add amenities at the kayak pad. Her group works with Allegheny County communities to develop the Three Rivers Heritage Trail and the water trail.

In this case, Mahronich Vita said a vacant lot has the potential to become a community asset.

“It will add much-needed parking to the existing trail launch as well as become a trail head for the Three Rivers Heritage Trail,” she said. “This project will also include much-needed safety improvements for trail users to cross River Road.”

Additional amenities will include native vegetation and public art, she said.

If approved, the project would get underway in the spring with construction expected in 2024.

“With the new trail connector and mosaic installation on one end of the riverfront and the expanded development of the kayak launch on the southern end, Harrison’s riverfront will be a special public resource for all residents and visitors,” Dizard said.