Of all the events of last week, none was as big a hit as the second annual Knapps Creek Fishing Derby for Kids. This event was sponsored by Parks and Rec, DNR, Rivers Coalition and the Town of Marlinton. Noah Alderman was the star with the largest catch of the day. Congratulations Noah. Also, the Water Plant offered an Open House to the public.
Beginning last Monday, the public restrooms at the Depot and Discovery Junction will be available during daylight hours.
The CVB sponsored a Tourism Summit at the Opera House Tuesday. The same afternoon, Downstream Strategies representative Sara Cottingham assist- ed with a Sidewalk Survey. The information will be used for a Marlinton sidewalk project.
MFT Grants planning meetings are paying off. On Wednesday, Destination By Design (DbD), came to Town for a site visit to gather readily-available GIS data, including parcel data, utilities, etc. This information will be used to develop the conceptual site master plan (note: DbD can provide survey specifications (if selected) to pursue a design- level survey, necessary for future engineering services.
The kick-off meeting and site visit was to discuss opportunities and constraints. The size and dimensions of the trailhead study area were gathered to determine opportunities for maximizing the property. Consultants will review all existing plans or trailhead features that have implications for the trailhead site and signage plan.
Trailhead parking design will consider (parking; landscape areas; signage location), Signage Conceptual Design (gateway/ entry sign and kiosk); Furnishings (benches, bike racks, trash receptacles). Streetscape elements (paver band, lighting, trees and tree grates).
To finalize Conceptual Plans and provide an estimate of probable cost, DbD will utilize drone imagery of the current study area to develop a hand illustrated perspective 3-D rendering of the site in accordance with the approved site plan.
Support from the Conservation Fund will allow the Mon Forest Towns Partnership to develop this trailhead master plan. DbD is a professional firm specializing in outdoor recreation planning and will set the design standards which the Partnership will seek to implement across the 12 Mon Forest Towns.
It is time for Marlinton to become a “Destination by Design.”