Blooming Grove Road, Blooming Grove Township

Project Overview:
In January 2006, Pike County in conjunction with Gannett-Fleming Inc. & Toole Recreation commenced the Open Space, Greenways and Recreation Planning Project.  A Countywide Study Committee was formed to assist the planning team in development of the Plan.  Their duties include  review of materials related to the proposed plan, serve as liaison with regional focus groups, assist in the plan’s development, and respond to expressed concerns of the community at public meetings.

Regional Focus Groups were designated to provide a local forum for citizens to voice concerns and bring a regional perspective to the Open Space, Greenways and Recreation Plan.  These groups met during the planning process to offer input and review materials for the Plan.

One of the hurdles in our planning efforts is communicating the distinction of land that is truly protected versus those lands which are susceptible to development.  Large private landowners including owners such as hunting-fishing clubs and summer camps represent much of the large contiguous open spaces that maintain the rural quality of the County.  These large tracts of forestland are unprotected unless preserved under a conservation easement.  A conservation easement is a way for a landowner to permanently protect the environmental or agricultural value of his or her land while continuing to own it. It is a legal agreement between a landowner and a government agency or nonprofit organization that permanently limits development of the land, preserving it for its environmental or agricultural value.

Overall in Pike County, we have seen the effect growth has had on our natural environment and rural character.  Growth has also impacted local recreation resources.  Through our meetings with the Regional Focus Groups and school district officials, we have learned that many of our local recreation resources are in need of expansion.  Overcrowding and the lack of recreational fields available in all regions of the County is a prohibiting factor for organized leagues. The more leagues using municipal and school district recreation causes scheduling and crowding issues.  The school districts can only accommodate local leagues after providing facilities for their students. 

These challenges can be addressed through our open space planning efforts.  This document at its completion is a planning tool for Pike County and not a regulatory document.  Pike County’s Open Space planning efforts will help ensure our undeveloped resources are recognized, provide a means to protect these lands, and address recreation needs of our citizens. 

Pike County’s plan “Growing…Naturally” will be in accordance with the Commonwealth’s direction for County planning efforts, establishing objectives and potential projects which promote a healthy “green infrastructure” for both natural and recreation resources.

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