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County highlights Harper’s Creek opening, Triway Trail funding and Chesapeake Trail permits
Summary
Lancaster County staff reported heavy public use at recently opened Harper’s Creek Waterfront Park, a Commonwealth Transportation Board allocation of $2.8 million for Triway Trail Phase 1C, and progression on the Chesapeake Trail ADA launch permit process with a wetlands-board hearing scheduled for June 11.
Lancaster County staff told the Board of Supervisors on April 23 that recent parks and trails projects are moving from planning into construction and public use.
John, the county parks presenter, said Westland Beach remains heavily used and that Harper’s Creek Waterfront Park drew roughly 120–150 people to its grand opening, with local vendors and community groups supporting the event. John said the county will install fish‑cleaning stations, monofilament fishing‑line disposal containers and additional beach nourishment and dune revegetation targeted for late May. An oyster restoration and planting event is scheduled for June 5.
On trails, John and staff reported Triway Trail progress: interviews for Phase 1B engineering firms were underway and the Commonwealth Transportation Board approved a VDOT application allocating $2.8 million for Phase 1C to be included in the six‑year plan. Chesapeake Trail’s ADA‑compliant launch joint permit application has been submitted and is scheduled for consideration by the wetlands board on June 11; staff said NEPA completion will follow permit review.
Why it matters: The updates indicate multiple county recreation projects are advancing simultaneously—some are already open to the public—creating ongoing operational needs for staffing and maintenance. Several speakers at the meeting urged the board to ensure that operating budgets and personnel follow one‑time capital investments.
What’s next: Staff will continue right‑of‑way acquisition and utility relocation for the Oyster Creek bridge replacement (targeting June–July construction start), move Triway Trail planning and procurement forward, and follow the wetlands board process for Chesapeake Trail permitting.
