Covered Bridge Park Section of Greenway Moving Forward

Plans are moving forward to build a section of the Jordan Creek Greenway that would connect South Whitehall to the Appalachian Trail.

That section, part of a 13-mile trail system that would stretch from Allentown to  the Trexler Nature Preserve in North Whitehall, would intersect Covered Bridge Park in South Whitehall.

The Jordan Greenway, begun in 2009, is spearheaded by the Wildlands Conservancy, the non-profit organization dedicated to protecting land, river and recreational resources in the Lehigh Valley.

The project, expected to cost at least $4.6 million, is an extensive trail system that would link South Whitehall with seven other municipalities – Allentown, and the townships of Whitehall, North Whitehall, Lowhill, Lynn, Weisenberg and Heidelberg. It aims to preserve open space, protect wildlife and provide outdoor recreational opportunities, such as birding, hiking, biking and nature photography.

Kevin Fister, director of greenways and trails for conservancy, sought the township's support at a recent board of commissioners meeting as it nears an April 10 deadline to apply for Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources construction grant to work on the Covered Bridge Park section.

The section would be built on land largely owned by the township, but includes private land owned by Jaindl Land Co. and runs from Covered Bridge Park to Route 309.

"With the township as a grantee, we have a better chance of being funded," Fister said. "We are not asking for any financial support from South Whitehall Township for construction."

Fister said construction on the project could begin eight to 12 months from the time they submit their application.

Commissioner Thomas Johns wanted to know what would happen if Jaindl wants to sell its section of the greenway.

President Christina Tori Morgan said the township owns the trail and has an easement through the section that is on private land. The township woud be responsible for maintenance of the trail.