Elected Officials Tour Proposed Trails from Lower Merion to Manayunk

Local and State Officials Cross Signature Manayunk Bridge and tour proposed Ivy Ridge Trail

On Wednesday, July 21, 2010, a determined group crossed from Manayunk to Lower Merion on the signature Manayunk railroad bridge. The bridge was abandoned by the railroad in 1985 and now looks to new life as a biking and pedestrian bridge joining the soon to be built Cynwyd Trail in Bala Cynwyd with the proposed Ivy Ridge Trail. Ultimately these trails will link with the Schuylkill River Trail system.

The event was organized by Nazaarah Sabreeh of the Commerce Dept. for Councilman Curtis Jones and included State Representative Kathy Manderino, representatives from Congressman Fattah’s office, Senator Hughes Office, Pam Delissio,candidate for State Representative, and numerous civic interests. On the bridge the group was met by the President of Lower Merion Township Commissioners Bruce Reid, Commissioner George Manos and Chris Leswing of the Lower Merion Township Planning Commission.

The group toured the bridge and then walked the proposed Ivy Ridge Trail, ultimately walking down the Fountain Street Steps to the canal area and back into the center of Manayunk. The various groups who have been maintaining sections of the trail used the tour as an opportunity to describe their ongoing work to everyone and their hopes for the future of the trails. Relief from the 97 degree heat was provided by Blaise Syrnick at the Fountain Street Steps, before ultimately finishing up the tour at the Manayunk Brew Pub.