Indiana County’s recreational opportunities get a boost today with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the two new boat launches on the Conemaugh River in Blairsville.
The project spearheaded by the Blairsville Community Development Authority provides platforms for canoes and kayaks near the Bairdstown Bridge and at Wyotech Park, near the head of the Riverfront Trail.
Jim Struzzi of the Indiana County Chamber of Commerce says a simple thing like being able to get out of your kayak without getting your feet wet can be a big boost for Blairsville. He says developing more recreational facilities in Indiana County could have a greater economic impact than just the dollars spent by visitors to the area.
“Blairsville and Indiana County overall, we have great trails, we have great outdoor recreation. This is another component in bringing people here to connect all of that together, so you can come for an all-day experience, perhaps an overnight experience. So when you come to Indiana County you have multiple choices of outdoor recreation…all these things combine to help bring people to Indiana County, perhaps keep people in Indiana County and ultimately even attract more businesses.”
Tonight’s ribbon-cutting is scheduled for 5:15 PM at the Bairdstown launch.
