The Pottstown Area Regional Recreation Committee (PARRC) recently partnered up with the Pennsylvania Downtown Center (PDC) in a new effort, the PARRC Nature-Based Placemaking (NBPM) Project. The PDC is statewide non-profit and a state partner with PA Department of Community & Economic Development. They provide outreach, technical assistance, and education to assist communities in revitalizing central businesses and surrounding residential neighborhoods. To view a PDC video of communities that have participated in a NBPM project, click here.
The purpose of the project is to determine practices and projects that will increase economic development in the region with a focus on recreation assets. The first Advisory Team meeting was February 10th and included PARRC members, business owners, and local organizations. The meeting, hosted by the Pottstown Area Health & Wellness Foundation, was led by consultant, PDC's Julie Fitzpatrick, AICP, who explained why NBPM is a valuable tool for strengthening our communities. A key part of the discussion focused on how natural spaces can be leveraged to enhance both recreation and economic development. The region's major parks, the special events held in them, and the connection of the Schuylkill River Trail in Pottstown are a focus of the project. The PARRC Recreation StoryMap, which highlights major recreation assets of the region, was presented at the meeting by Tricia McCloskey, AICP.
Attendees reviewed the planning process and schedule, including the community engagement portion, that will consist of focus groups, stakeholder interviews, and public meetings to gather input from residents and organizations. Ensuring a diverse and representative group is included in these conversations will be crucial in making this initiative successful.
By fostering connections between people and nature, PARRC’s efforts in Nature-Based Placemaking promise to bring long-term benefits to the Pottstown area. Stay tuned for more updates as the project evolves!
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