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111 Collinsburg Rd., West Newton, Pennsylvania, 15089 United States
wYTC receives grant for Trail Maintenance
The WYTC wishes to thank the Regional Trail Corporation (RTC) and the Colcom Foundation.
The Westmoreland Yough Trail Chapter has received a grant from the Colcom Foundation, via the Regional Trail Corporation comprised of 8 Trails.
From the Colcom Foundation:
“The uncertainly we are facing has impacted the non-profit community particularly hard. In recognition of the challenges you may face and the relationship that brings us together, the Board of Directors of Colcom Foundation has awarded this grant to be utilized at your discretion for general operating purposes.”
"The RTC Board has decided that the best way to use these funds would be to allocate these funds to the Chapters and Councils who will not be able to do their fundraising events but still need to attend to the trail. We decided to divide the funds based upon the number of miles of trail that each group maintains."
We wish to express our appreciation to the RTC and to the Colcom Foundation for our share of the $20,000 grant.
According to Malcolm Sias, Director, Westmoreland County Parks and Recreation, “Your chapter will be receiving a check shortly from the RTC with your share of these funds. The Board of Directors of the Regional Trail Corporation would like to thank each Chapter for the great work that you do! Please use these funds to keep our trails well maintained and attractive. I have noticed a big increase in trail users during the Covid 19 period and it is readily apparent how important our trails are to our residents!”
2020-05-28 TRAIL IS OPEN update
Sick of being cooped up in the house? One thing you are allowed to do is get outside, get some fresh air, and exercise. Our trail provides the perfect place to walk, run, or ride your bike.
Hours of operation: M-F: 11-4; Sat and Sunday 10-3. Also, no more than 5 allowed in the Visitor's Center at a time; enter along the side to use the restrooms, enter the front of the Visitor's Center near the rail car to shop. Visitors MUST wear a mask and maintain social distancing. Thanks!
Although the trail has remained open, we have cancelled one of our major fund raising events. So we need your help more than ever. So please consider making a donation or becoming a member of the trail chapter.
If you wish to donate to the WYTC, please send a check to WYTC, 111 Collinsburg Rd, West Newton, PA 15089 or visit our website site: https://bikewytc.org/donate
All funds help to maintain the Trail so that users like you can enjoy every minute of their ride or walk. 501(c) 3 donations are tax-deductible. Thank you!
2020-06 Coronavirus Update as it affects Trail Users:
Staying healthy is of vital concern during these challenging times. We are fortunate to have wonderful walking, biking, and hiking trails in Westmoreland County that offer us exercise, helping us to maintain our physical and mental health.
The Trail is open.
The GAP-Visitor Center in West Newton is open! The restrooms are open.
Enjoy our GAP-WYTC and be sure to consider becoming a member.
Our membership is suggesting the following measures to protect you as you enjoy the GAP. This is an evolving situation, one that we hope will improve soon! Stop back to the Westmoreland Yough Trail Chapter, website and Facebook page for updates.
Social Distancing:
1. Be mindful of others along the GAP-WYTC. Always maintain 6 feet between you and others.
2. Following good biking practices, be sure to use measures to inform others of your presence, such as saying “On Your Left” or “Passing.”
3. Portable toilets and water fountains are now open. But you should carry water, hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes.
4. If you must meet with friends, please maintain a safe distance from them.
5. Take your trash with you.
6. If you are not well, don’t ride or walk with others. Stay Home. Be mindful of their needs. We don’t want to spread the virus.
Additional websites of interest:
Rails to Trails: Resources for Safe Outdoor Activity During the COVID-19 Pandemic
2019-08-07 Rail Trail Hall of Fame
Detail your services
In 2007, the RTC began recognizing exemplary rail-trails around the country through its Rail-Trail Hall of Fame. They selected inductees on merits such as scenic value, high use, trail amenities, historical significance, excellence in management and maintenance, community connections and geographic distribution.
The #GreatAlleghenyPassage had the honor to become the very first inductee into the Rail-Trail Hall of Fame. Because of this recognition, people from every state and all over the world come to ride the GAP.
We are privileged to have the opportunity to use this great amenity anytime we want as it is in our back yard. The trail is almost wholly maintained by volunteers who rely on memberships, fundraisers, and donations.