View the Conneaut Lake Heritage Community Workplan

Transcription

COMMUNITY WORKPLAN
Conneaut Lake Heritage Communities Program
2010
Pennsylvania Route 6 Alliance
CONNEAUT LAKE HERITAGE COMMUNITY WORKPLAN
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER/Subsection
Page
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
ii
BACKGROUND AND OVERVIEW
1
BACKGROUND ACTIVITIES – DESCRIPTION
3
4
COMMUNITY INVENTORIES
Location Map
Demographics
Economics
Historic/Architecturally Significant Buildings/Sites/Themes
Cultural History
Historic and Industrial Heritage Context
Museums
Other Potential Conneaut Lake Park Heritage Resources
Inventory of Community Events/Activities
Water Related Resources
Inventory and Survey of Businesses
Business Survey
Physical and Non-Physical Conditions
Transportation System
Community Visual Conditions and Design Analysis
4
5
6
9
16
20
26
33
35
38
41
45
49
57
58
63
SYNTHESIS OF INFORMATION
Public Input
First Workshop – The Wish List
Second Workshop – Planning Charrette
Third Workshop – Draft Presentation and Comments
Issues and Opportunities Statement Overview
76
76
77
78
83
85
IMPLEMENTATION
Heritage Route 6 Economic Impacts
Tourism and Economics
Implementation Matrix
Summary of Recommendations
Interpretive Planning Statement
Marketing and Hospitality Planning Statement
Wayfinding Planning Statement
Heritage Resource Development/Community Needs
Planning Statement
Select Funding Sources
88
88
89
93
105
111
114
116
117
118
i
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
This planning effort represents a relatively new approach to heritage planning
being implemented by the Pennsylvania Route 6 Alliance. The concept was
locally developed during early Route 6 heritage planning and refined with the
Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) who
insisted that the Heritage Communities Program be premised on the engagement
of the community. In short, DCNR wanted this to be “grass roots” and not “top
down” planning requiring the establishment of the Heritage Community
Stakeholders Groups in each Heritage Community. This was envisioned to be a
group of area residents who met throughout this process and even spearheaded
several early action implementation actions. Members of the Conneaut Lake
Stakeholders Group represented a cross-section of the community and met on
numerous occasions between February 2009 and February 2010, and also
helped during this period in conducting Community Workshops and a Planning
Charrette. In addition, many other residents participated in various public forums
such as during the focus group meetings during the Planning Charrette and at
the various Community Workshops.
Major project funding for the Heritage Communities Program is provided through
the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation through the Safe, Accountable,
Flexible and Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users, through the
Heritage Areas Program under the PA Department of Conservation and Natural
Resources and a local contribution from Conneaut Lake.
Last but not least, a special thanks to the residents and business communities of
Conneaut Lake who not only embraced this program and participated, but more
importantly showed a genuine love for the community.
ii
CONNEAUT LAKE HERITAGE COMMUNITIES PROGRAM
Pennsylvania Route 6 Heritage Corridor
COMMUNITY WORKPLAN
Background
A Community WorkPlan is a requirement of the Pennsylvania Route 6 Heritage
Communities Program. It is intended to establish an action-oriented framework
for local heritage and community planning and implementation in Heritage
Communities along Route 6. While the document is important in itself the
process to prepare it is probably more important.
In this regard local
engagement is not only important but is required.
The process involved the engagement and discussion with a local Stakeholders
Group that was involved throughout the planning period. This document
attempts to aggregate and synthesize the input and recommendations of this
Group, also taking into account public input received at three Community
Workshops, including a three-day planning charrette held in the summer of 2009.
The document and process also involves original and secondary research
gathered by the Route 6 planning team. The WorkPlan is organized as follows:
Crawford County Heritage Communities Program
Community Inventories - Themes and Sites, Heritage, Community
Events, Businesses, Physical and Non-Physical Needs and Visual
Conditions and design Analysis
Public Input review and summary
IMPLEMENTATION - Planning Statements and Implementation Strategy
Overview
The Pennsylvania Route 6 Heritage Communities Program recognizes that the
action-oriented framework requires attention to both physical and non-physical
needs that address the Visitor’s Experience and the Community Context. Each
has an impact on the other, and the latter frames and directly affects the former.
Thus the Community WorkPlan must enhance Conneaut Lake as a destination
and a stopover, within the context of the larger Route 6 experience, without
negatively affecting the quality of life and community characteristics that make it
a great place reside. In essence then, this entire process is an attempt to
address tourism in a context-sensitive manner. In this regard, the WorkPlan
recommends a number of enhancements:
1
Visitor Experience Enhancement – “things to see and do”

Improvements to Conneaut Lake Park and Hotel
Local promotional effort – brochures, itineraries and web-based
Development of a floating stage offering a movable entertainment venue
as reflecting themes (i.e. lake and entertainment) that build on the area’s
strength
The “Double Lake Tour” concept as another unifying theme capitalizing on
existing state and private resources
Wayfinding Signage – at critical attractions and along the Double Lake
Tour
Curatorial and financial enhancements for the Conneaut Lake Area
Historical Society Museum
“Trail Town” enhancements
Historic District designation consideration
Coordination with local Museums and the Pennsylvania Lumber Museum
Walking tours and tie-ins with regional system
The Community Context – addressing local needs

Streetscape enhancements within the business district and immediate
surrounding area
Gateway Enhancements at strategic locations
An interrelated downtown and residential area revitalization effort
o Façade and Streetscape
o Building and site reuse
Revisions – Land use related regulations
Consistent Litter Indexing efforts
Traffic safety and calming enhancements especially in the downtown area
2
The Heritage Communities Program is an
initiative of the Pennsylvania Route 6 Alliance,
focused on strengthening the many vibrant
communities along the Route 6 Corridor in
Pennsylvania. The Program was developed
by local stakeholders involved in the
development of the Pennsylvania Route 6:
Our Heritage and a Destination for the Future
– Framework for Action during 2001-03.
These stakeholders have developed the
Pennsylvania Route 6 Heritage Communities
Program that requires communities – their
leaders, business community and residents –
to buy into the heritage tourism concept and
process. The program provides assistance to
Route 6 communities in first identifying and
localizing heritage tourism sites, resources
and themes; then developing ways to enhance and refine these resources; and
finally a way to sustain local heritage tourism. This assumes a very inclusive
grass-roots process involving local residents, which will have an important sidebenefit of making the community a better place in which to live as well as visit.
The key to the Program is to identify and capitalize on the unique qualities of
select communities on the Corridor that reflect the themes of Route 6. These
themes are as follows:

Warrior’s Road honoring the epic stories of the warriors of many races,
genders and times fought or lived along the Corridor;
The many Natural Opportunities utilized and enjoyed by hunters,
fishermen, oilmen, tanners and miners of the region, and the changes in
the view of natural resources;
The rough terrain required Engineer’s Challenge to be met by spectacular
feats of civil engineering that made Northern Pennsylvania and its
resources more accessible;
The region has provided New Beginnings and Safe Havens for a diverse
group including Connecticut Yankees, French Aristocrats and escaping
slaves;
Visionaries, Achievers and Social Entrepreneurs of the region whose
ideas and achievements inspired and transformed the region and the
country; and
The region’s recognized position as an Outdoor Enthusiast’s Paradise
offering active and passive recreational opportunities year-round.
3
The Program is premised on providing technical assistance to the communities in
interpreting and localizing these themes.
The unique qualities of the Pennsylvania US Route 6 Corridor are created and
affected by the communities along its length. Descriptions of the Corridor often
tout the unhurried, small-town ambiance that has not been traded for a “brand
name drive-through identity”. The Route 6 Community identity is authentic and
individual and is not contrived. Route 6 heritage planning recognizes that this
“community identity” must be maintained and strengthened if heritage tourism is
to prosper along the Corridor. A request on behalf of Conneaut Lake was a
successful applicant to be the fourth round of the Pennsylvania Heritage
Communities Program, following Smethport, Corry/Union City and Potter County
(Coudersport, Galeton and Austin). A local visioning and participation process
was carried out to establish the elements of a local heritage tourism effort
meeting the orientation of the Pennsylvania Route 6 tourism effort while
addressing local issues, themes and resources. This approach is identified in
this planning document – referred to as a Community WorkPlan. As such, it is an
action-oriented document that builds on past tourism planning, as well as
regional and local efforts.
Community Inventories - Community and Area Overview
Conneaut Lake is a very unique community, encompassing the Borough of
Conneaut Lake and the surrounding townships of Sadsbury and Summit,
comprised of year-round and seasonal residents residing around the Lake. The
relative location and approximate distances between the Conneaut Lake
community and other nearby communities is below:
Community
Meadville
Linesville
Erie
Pittsburgh
Warren
Cleveland
Sharon
Franklin
New Castle
Buffalo
Youngstown
Mileage
9 miles
8 miles
46 miles
90 miles
87 miles
90 miles
31 miles
33 miles
57 miles
138 miles
53 miles
4
SR
Meadville Junction
01
3
!
4
SUMMIT TOWNSHIP
Conneaut Lake Park
!
PA
Lynces Junction
!
PA 618
01
8
Conneaut Lake
X
VERNON TOWNSHIP
SADSBURY TOWNSHIP
6
mp016
mp013
X
X
6
PA 285
PA
mp014
Conneaut Lake
X
!
28
5
mp015
X
CONNEAUT LAKE BOROUGH
2
32
S
U
0
0.5
1
2
Miles
FIGURE - Conneaut Lake Borough
Rt 6 Corridor HCP
Demographics
The 2008 estimated populations for Combined Area (i.e. Conneaut Lake Borough
and the Townships of Sadsbury and Summit) are identified on Table 1 in addition
to the actual Census figures for 1990 and 2000. The Combined Area had an
estimated 2008 population of 5,608, an increase of nearly 9% since 1990.
However, during the 1990-2008 period the Borough sustained a 5.6% decline
while Townships experienced net increases in population (10% +/-). If correct,
the estimates suggest the increases sustained between 1990 and 2000 have
reversed since 2000. The forthcoming 2010 Census will verify if in fact the
estimates and declining recent trend are in fact accurate.
TABLE 1
DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE – 1990-2008
Conneaut Lake Heritage Communities Program Study Area
Area
Crawford
County
Conneaut
Lake Borough
Sadsbury
Township
Summit
Township
Combined
Area
1990
2000
Population Population
%
Change
19902000
2008
Population
Estimate
%
Change
20002008
%
Change
19902008
88,169
90.366
+2.5%
88,411
-2.1%
+0.3%
699
708
+1.3%
660
-6.8%
-5.6%
2,575
2,941 +14.2%
2,844
-3.3%
+10.4%
1,890
2,172 +14.9%
2,104
-3.1%
+11.3%
5,164
5,821 +12.7%
5,608
-3.7%
+8.6%
Source: US Census Bureau
Population projections are available through 2030 on a county basis through the
Pennsylvania State Data Center, using standard accepted methods. Table 2
summarizes some major data and trends from these projections for Crawford
County. As is seen, the County population is expected to be rather stable in and
around 90,000 people through 2030, at a time of a 7.4% increase statewide.
During this 30-year period the County is expected to experience a continuation of
the maturing of the population base, as reflected in the percent composition of
those 65 years of age and older from roughly 16% to 27% of the population. At
the same time, the percent composition of persons in the familyforming/sustaining cohort between the ages of 25 and 49 is expected to decline
from 34% to 25%.
6
TABLE 2
POPULATION PROJECTIONS: 2010 – 2030
Crawford County
Factor
2000*
2015
2020
2025
2030
County
90,366
89,281
Population
%
NA
-1.2%
Change
% Change
NA
+2.1%
in PA
Crawford County Population
% 65+
15.6%
16.8%
89,201
89,515
89,961
90,088
-0.1%
+0.4%
+0.5%
+0.1%
+1.2%
+1.4%
+1.4%
+1.1%
19.1%
22.0%
24.8%
26.6%
% 25-49
26.4%
25.4%
24.7%
24.8%
34.0%
2010
28.3%
Source: Detailed Population Projections; PA State Data Center; 2008.
* Actual Census figures; others are projections
Table 3 provides a closer look at population change and migration in the Study
Area by comparing natural change (i.e. births and deaths) with population
figures. Simply stated, the information suggests that some net in-migration has
occurred in the Combined Area between 1990 and 2007, albeit in an irregular
pattern, assuming the normally accurate US Census estimates are accurate.
•
•
•
It appears that a net in-migration of 436 persons occurred among the
three municipalities between 1990-2007, with the individual totals posted
for each on Table 3.
Actual Census data suggests a hefty net in-migration of 593 persons
between 1990-2000, particularly high in the Townships.
If the Census estimates prove to be accurate, a net out-migration occurred
in the Townships during 2000-07, only partially offsetting the earlier
increase.
The net in and out-migration is the difference between the actual population, or
in the case of the year 2007 official population estimates, and the population that
would be expected as a function of taking into account births and deaths.
7
TABLE 3
NATURAL POPULATION CHANGE AND MIGRATION ESTIMATES: 1990-05
Description
Source
Number
Conneaut
Lake
Actual Population –
April 1, 1990
Residents’ Deaths 4/904/00
Residents’ Births 4/90-4/00
Natural Anticipated
Population April 1, 2000
Actual Population –
April 1, 2000
Net Estimated Migration
(1990-2000)
Residents’ Deaths 4/007/07
Residents’ Births 4/00-7/07
Natural Anticipated
Population July 1, 2007
Estimated Population
– July 1, 2007
Net Estimated Migration
(2000-07)
Net Estimated
Migration 1990-2007
Sadsbury
Township
Summit
Township
699
2,575
1,890
-127
+97
669
-235
+241
2,581
-136
+224
1,978
708
2,941
2.172
+39
+360
+194
-108
+62
662
-185
+153
2,909
-107
+147
2,212
US Census
Bureau
Inferred
664
2,854
2,108
+2
-55
-104
Calculation
+41
+305
+90
US Census
Bureau
PA Health Dept.
PA Health Dept.
Inferred
US Census
Bureau
Inferred
PA Health Dept.
PA Health Dept.
Inferred
Source: U.S. Census Bureau and Pennsylvania Department of Health interpolated by The EADS
Group.
8
Economics
Employment and Number of Establishments
The economic base of the County has undergone change throughout the recent
and distant history. Economists look at employment bases in several ways,
including by place of residence (where employees reside) and by place of work
(where people work regardless of where they live). The decennial Census is the
place where information by place of residence is available on a municipal basis.
Given the age of available Census data (i.e. 2000) this data is not meaningful at
the time of this writing in early-2010. Given the fact that detailed 2010 Census
data is not anticipated for awhile, this study uses more recent place of work data
even though it is available only on the County basis. Overall, place of work data
has been found to be a better barometer of local economic activity in Route 6
economic analyses anyway.
Before reviewing this data for Crawford County descriptive background
information is reviewed. Table 4 reviews and compares information from two
recent County Business Patterns reports. County Business Patterns is an annual
series that provides sub-national economic data by industry. The series is useful
for studying the economic activity of small areas; analyzing economic changes
over time; and as a benchmark for statistical series, surveys, and databases
between economic censuses. Businesses use the data for analyzing market
potential, measuring the effectiveness of sales and advertising programs, setting
sales quotas, and developing budgets. Government agencies use the data for
administration and planning.
•
County Business Patterns covers most of the country's economic activity. The
series excludes data on self-employed individuals, employees of private
households, railroad employees, agricultural production employees, and most
government employees.
•
The information is establishment based. An establishment is a single physical
location at which business is conducted or services or industrial operations are
performed. It is not necessarily identical with a company or enterprise, which may
consist of one or more establishments. When two or more activities are carried
on at a single location under a single ownership, all activities generally are
grouped together as a single establishment. The entire establishment is
classified on the basis of its major activity and all data are included in that
classification. Table 5 identifies them as firms in the respective years compared.
•
Paid employment consists of full- and part-time employees, including salaried
officers and executives of corporations, who are on the payroll in the pay period
including March 12. Included are employees on paid sick leave, holidays, and
vacations; not included are proprietors and partners of unincorporated
businesses.
9
TABLE 4
Economic Profile and Change - Crawford County 1998-2007
Economic Sector
Forestry, fishing, hunting, and agriculture
support
Mining
Utilities
Construction
Manufacturing
Wholesale trade
Retail trade
Transportation & warehousing
Information
Finance & insurance
Real estate & rental & leasing
Professional, scientific & technical services
Management of companies & enterprises
Admin, support, waste mgt, remediation
services
Educational services
Health care and social assistance
Arts, entertainment & recreation
Accommodation & food services
Other services (except public administration)
Unclassified establishments
Total
1998
2007
Employees Employees
2007
Firms
%
1998
Change Firms
%
Change
58
147
117
952
8760
568
4042
413
359
565
159
579
101
87
133
108
883
7305
570
3939
628
250-499
554
196
659
20-99
+50%
-10%
-8%
-7%
-17%
+0.3%
-3%
+52%
NA
-2%
+23%
+14%
NA
17
11
6
195
302
82
353
41
27
101
52
120
3
16
13
4
185
279
85
320
57
40
104
50
127
4
-6%
+18%
-33%
-5%
-8%
+4%
-9%
+39%
+48%
+3%
-4%
+6%
+33%
950
1814
4212
238
2262
1288
20-99
27645
934
2027
5165
249
2452
1305
0-19
27637
-2%
+12%
+23%
+5%
+8%
+1%
NA
0%
58
14
225
36
202
251
18
2114
60
23
274
37
203
269
1
2151
+3%
+64%
+22%
+3%
0%
+7%
-94%
+2%
Source: US Census Bureau; County Business Patterns
Note: Ranges in italics are all that are available for certain sectors, precluding determination of exact percentages.
10
Data presented on Table 5 above suggests the following trends as reflected in
employment and/or number of establishments:
•
Employment in manufacturing is very important even though employments
levels (-17%) and number of firms (-8%) have declined during the 19982007 period. Another local anchor retailing has also sustained losses on
both fronts (3% and 9% respectively).
•
On the positive side, educational services as well as health care and
social services have both sustained impressive increases in employment
as well as the number of establishments involved. Taken together, these
two sectors added 1,166 employees and 58 establishments in the period
reviewed.
•
The real estate/leasing and professional/technical sectors also sustained
notable employment increases during this period.
•
Two sectors classically associated with tourism (in addition to retail) are
the arts/entertainment/recreation and accommodations/food services,
which sustained slight increases in both employment and number of
establishments during the 1998-2007 period.
Unfortunately, reliable information on a small municipal basis is only available via
the US Census, reflects data by place of residence and more recent data is not
anticipated until 2012.
Other relevant economic figures and trends are summarized below:
•
Place of residence data shows that the total civilian labor force in
Crawford County for December 2009 was 43,200, of which 38,700 were
employed and 4,400 were unemployed. The unemployment rate was 10.2
percent at the time the statewide rate was 8.5%.
•
The average weekly wage for Crawford County in 1st Quarter 2009 was
$590, 68.5% the statewide weekly wage of $861. This would be equivalent
to $14.75 per hour or $30,680 per year, assuming a 40-hour week worked
the year around.
•
Average weekly wages varied considerable among the County’s economic
segments in 2008 (most recent figures available by segment)
o Accommodation and Food Services
$219
o Health Care and Social Assistance
$658
o Manufacturing
$805
o Retailing
$446
11
Market Segmentation
Econometrics is a field always showing
sophistication and even localization. One
approach in understanding economic
markets is the Nielsen Claritas PRIZM
segmentation system that brings together
household and geographic level data.
PRIZM attempts to capture demographic
and lifestyle data to help companies target
their customers. It also provides those
not marketing a good or service with a
“snapshot” view, perhaps oversimplified,
of how small areas (i.e. Zip Code level) may be profiled. The PRIZM model
contains 66 segments consistent at both the household and geodemographic
levels. The 66-segment model resulted from standard demographic measures –
Age, Income, Presence of Children, Marital Status, Homeownership and
Urban/city. The most common PRIZM segments and larger social groups
identified for Conneaut Lake (16316) are as follows:

Young & Rustic (Lower-Middle income, Middle Age w/o Kids) - Young & Rustic is
composed of middle age, restless singles. These folks tend to be lower-middleincome, high school-educated, and live in tiny apartments in the nation's exurban
towns. With their service industry jobs and modest incomes, these folks still try to
fashion fast-paced lifestyles centered on sports, cars, and dating.
Back Country Folks (Downscale, Older Mostly w/o Kids) - Strewn among remote
farm communities across the nation, Back Country Folks are a long way away from
economic paradise. The residents tend to be poor, over 55 years old and living in
older, modest-sized homes and manufactured housing. Typically, life in this segment
is a throwback to an earlier era when farming dominated the American landscape.
Golden Ponds (Downscale, Mature Mostly w/o Kids) - Golden Ponds is mostly a
retirement lifestyle, dominated by downscale singles and couples over 65 years old.
Found in small bucolic towns around the country, these high school-educated
seniors live in small apartments on less than $35,000 a year; one in five resides in a
nursing home. For these elderly residents, daily life is often a succession of
sedentary activities such as reading, watching TV, playing bingo, and doing craft
projects.
The above three of the segments are within the larger Rustic Living social group. These
segments represent the nation's rural towns and villages, having relatively modest
incomes, low education levels, aging houses and blue-collar occupations. Many of the
residents, a mix of young singles and seniors, are unmarried. No doubt overgeneralizing, PRIZM suggests that these consumers spend their leisure time in such
traditional small-town activities such as fishing and hunting, attending social activities at
the local church and veterans club, and enjoying country music and car racing.

Simple Pleasures (Lower-Middle income, Mature Mostly w/o Kids) - -With more than
two-thirds of its residents over 65 years old, Simple Pleasures is mostly a retirement
lifestyle: a neighborhood of lower-middle-class singles and couples living in modestly
12
priced homes. Many are high school-educated seniors who held blue-collar jobs
before their retirement. And a disproportionate number served in the military, so
many residents are members of veterans clubs.
This segment is within the Middle America social group, which is categorized as
including lower-middle-class homeowners living in small towns and remote exurbs.
Typically found in scenic settings throughout the nation's heartland, Middle
Americans tend to be white, high school educated, living as couples or larger
families, and ranging in age from under 25 to over 65. Like many residents of remote
communities, these conservative consumers tend to prefer traditional rural pursuits:
fishing, hunting, making crafts, antique collecting, watching television, and meeting at
civic and veterans clubs for recreation and companionship.

Traditional Times (Upper-Middle income, Older w/o Kids) - Traditional Times is the
kind of lifestyle where small-town couples nearing retirement are beginning to enjoy
their first empty-nest years. Typically in their fifties and sixties, these upper-middleclass Americans pursue a kind of granola-and-grits lifestyle. On their coffee tables
are magazines with titles like Country Living and Country Home. But they're big
travelers, especially in recreational vehicles and campers.
This segment is within the Country Comfort social group, which is filled with
predominantly white, upper-middle-class homeowners. In their placid towns and
scenic bedroom communities, these Americans tend to be married, mostly between
the ages of 25 and 54, with or without children. They enjoy comfortable upscale
lifestyles, exhibiting high indices for barbecuing, bar-hopping, and
playing golf as
well as home-based activities such as gardening, woodworking, and crafts.
Reflecting their rural, family environment, they prefer trucks, SUVs,
and minivans
to cars.
Again, the above segments and social groups are an oversimplification for the
sake of market understanding, but the demographic data taken into consideration
by the Nielsen Claritas PRIZM system suggest the existence of moderate and
upper income segments of the Conneaut Lake community.
13
Tourism Spending Patterns
General spending and related economic impacts for tourism are included in a
series of reports entitled The Economic Impact of Travel and Tourism in
Pennsylvania (Global Insight), which tracts spending patterns at the County level.
Between 203-06 visitor spending in Crawford County increased by 12.1%, from
$131.3 million to $147.3 million, accounting for 2.8% of the County economy in
2006. The following summarizes visitor spending by category (dollars in
Millions):
Category
2003
2006
% Change
Transportation
Food & Beverage
Lodging
Shopping
Entertainment
Other
TOTAL
$30.97
$31.26
$15.71
$33.83
$12.96
$ 6.60
131.33
$37.25
$35.23
$18.75
$31.16
$15.95
$ 9.23
147.27
+20.3%
+12.7%
+19.4%
- 7.9%
+23.0%
+39.8%
+12.1%
$
$
The largest individual segments are transportation and food and beverage, each
showing healthy increases. All segments with the exception of retail shopping
showed double-digit increases during this period. The decline in shopping
spending also was seen in the other Pennsylvania’s Great Lakes region during
this period (i.e. Erie, Mercer and Venango).
Tourism Employment Impacts
The same report noted above reveals that in
2006, 2,179 people in Crawford County were
directly
employed
in
tourism-based
businesses, approximately 5% above the
figure for 2003. When adding those persons
indirectly benefiting from tourism (i.e.
suppliers of tourism businesses, impacts of
buying power from those directly employed in
tourism, and other secondary beneficiaries),
a total of 3,330 persons are affected by
tourism employment, representing nearly 10% of the County’s economy. Wages
from those directly employed in tourism businesses amounted to $56.9 million in
2003, approximately 10% higher than the 2003 figure. Again, when considering
those directly and indirectly benefitting from tourism, the 2006 figure is just over
$100 million.
14
Localized Information
The Pennsylvania Route 6 Tourism Infrastructure Plan (2008) helps localize the
direct impacts alluded to above. In 2008 the following summarizes the tourism
infrastructure in the Conneaut Lake area:
•
•
•
There were 24 establishments categorized as offering accommodations and
food services, including motels/inns, diners, restaurants, fast food and
campgrounds;
There were 13 arts, recreation and entertainment establishments, including
golf courses, marinas, galleries and of course the Park; and
There were 24 tourism-oriented retail/service establishments ranging from
boat, RV and motor cycle dealers, gift stores, convenience stores, a winery
and various retail stores.
Finally, the Pennsylvania Travel Profile presents an overview of overnight leisure
travel for the Pennsylvania Great Lakes Region (2007), summarized as follows:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Median Age:
Median Household Income:
Traveling Party:
Primary Purpose of Stay:
Average length of Stay:
Primary Accommodations:
Top Activities:
•
Secondary Activities:
•
•
Average Per Diem Expenditures:
Average Per Trip Expenditures:
39
$59,300
Family
Visiting family/friends
3.4 days
Paid hotel/motel
Dining, Shopping and
Entertainment
National/State Parks, Sightseeing
and Beach
$79.20/person
$769
15
Historical and Architecturally Significant Buildings, Sites, and Themes
This subsection lists the heritage resources of the municipalities surrounding
Conneaut Lake. This includes the borough of Conneaut Lake and portions of
Sadsbury and Summit Townships within approximately one-half mile of the lake
shore.
The National Register of Historic Places
The National Register of Historic Places was established by the National Historic
Preservation Act of 1966 as the standard for preservation efforts (Section 101). It
is the “hall of fame” of places that are important to the American people. To be
eligible for listing on the National Register, a property must pass a rigorous
review at the state and federal level. It is not easy to list a property on the
National Register, so the properties that are listed are truly worthy of
preservation.
The National Register recognizes several categories of resources including
single objects, structures, or buildings and groups of resources within a site or
district. Regardless of category, the resource must possess integrity of location,
design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling, and association. The property
must also be significant, as determined by these criteria:

It must be associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the
broad patterns of our history; or
It must be associated with the lives of persons significant in our past; or
It must embody distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or method of
construction, or
o Represent the work of a master, or
o Possess high artistic values, or
o Represent a significant and distinguishable entity whose components may lack
individual distinction, or
It must have yielded, or be likely to yield, information important in prehistory or
history (abstracted from 36 CFR Part 60.4).
In Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania
Historic and Museum Commission
maintains an inventory of historic
properties. It includes not only those that
have been listed on the National Register
but also those that have been determined
to be eligible for listing. It also lists
resources that have been reported by
professional and amateur archaeologists
and historians that have not been fully
evaluated regarding the National Register criteria but which appear to meet those
criteria or are important to a local community.
16
There are no resources in Conneaut Lake, Summit Township or Sadsbury
Township that have been listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The
Pennsylvania Historic and Museum Commission (PHMC) records indicate that
two (2) properties near Conneaut Lake that have been determined to be eligible
for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. These are summarized in
Table 5.
TABLE 5
Properties determined to be eligible for listing on the
National Register of Historic Places
Description
Municipality
Location
Resource
Category
Conneaut Lake Park
Sadsbury and Summit Conneaut Lake Road
District, built 1892
Townships
Liberty the Second
Sadsbury and Summit 12382 Center Street
Structure (speed
Townships
boat), built 1921
Source: PA Historic and Museum Commission, CR GIS; accessed May 15, 2009.
Conneaut Lake Park is located on the northwest shore of the lake; Liberty the
Second is a vintage speedboat with a jet engine that is housed at the Conneaut
Lake Historical Society Museum.
The PHMC lists other properties in their database that have historical value. They
were recorded but have not yet been evaluated or are ineligible for inclusion on
the National Register of Historic Places. Also included are bridges near
Conneaut Lake that were submitted by PennDOT, several of which have been
determined to be ineligible for listing on the National Register. These resources
are summarized in Tables 6 and 7.
Summary
The recorded historical resources in Conneaut Lake Borough are concentrated in
the area bounded by Water Street (Route 6) on the north, State Street (Route
322) on the west, Richmond Street on the south, and First Street on the east, as
shown in Figure 1. There is another concentration along Aldina Drive, north of
the borough. A comprehensive survey of the borough’s historical resources could
support the nomination of a district to the National Register of Historic Places.
In Sadsbury and Summit townships, the known historical resources are located
along the highways around the lake. North of Conneaut Lake Park, buildings
have been documented along Routes 618, 18, and Gehrton and Gordon roads.
South of the lake, resources are known along Routes 6, 618, and 285.
17
TABLE 6
Known Historic Structures
Address
490 Water St
Water St (SW corner with
2nd St)
435 N 2nd St
NW corner of 3rd St &
Garden Alley
475 N 2nd St
NE corner of High & 2nd St
2nd St N of Garden Alley
Water St
390 High St (NE corner of
High & 4th St)
295 High St (SE corner of
High & 3rd St)
715 Water St (SE corner of
Water & 6th St)
495 State St (corner of State
& Barbara St)
Water St (W of 2nd St)
N 2nd St
Water St (E of 2nd St)
245 5th St (N of State)
Water St
Municipality Historic
Name
Conneaut
Lake Borough
Wilson
Ralston
House
Dennis
House
Ralston’s
Hardware
Memorial
Park &
Civil War
Monument
National
Register
Status
Resource
Category
Date
Built
Undetermined
Undetermined
Building
Building
1860
1901
Undetermined
Undetermined
Building
Building
1876
Undetermined
Undetermined
Undetermined
Undetermined
1876
Undetermined
Building
Building
Building (cabin)
Building (concert
hall)
Building
Undetermined
Building
1886
Undetermined
Building
1800
Undetermined
Building
1857
Undetermined
Undetermined
Building
Building
1800
1885
Undetermined
Building (hall,
theater)
Building
Site
c. 1910
& 1927
1876
1865
Undetermined
Ineligible
Route 6, east of lake
Undetermined
Building
Route 285, west of
Undetermined
Structure
Sadsbury
Conneaut Lake Borough
Township
Undetermined
Building
Routes 6 and 618
Undetermined
Building
Vernon Rd, south of lake
Undetermined
Building
Route 285, west of lake
Undetermined
Building
Undetermined
Building
Bridge, SR 18
Ineligible
Structure
Route 618, west of lake
Undetermined
Building
Summit
Bridge, SR 618
Ineligible
Structure
Township
Bridge, SR 18
Ineligible
Structure
Gehrton Rd, west of lake
Undetermined
Building
Gordon Rd, north of lake
Undetermined
Building
Gordon Rd, west of lake
Undetermined
Building
Source: PA Historic and Museum Commission CRGIS; accessed May 15, 2009.
1800
1800
1877
1820
1876
1924
1820
1927
1984
1860
1800
1800
18
TABLE 7
National Register Status Summary
Municipality
Number of
Resources
Category
National
Register status
Conneaut Lake
Borough
Sadsbury
Township
Summit
Township
TOTAL
16
1
7
1
4
3
32
Buildings
Site
Buildings
Structure
Buildings
Structures
Undetermined
Ineligible
Undetermined
Undetermined
Undetermined
Ineligible
Figure 1
Location of known historic resources in Conneaut Lake Borough.
Source: PHMC CRGIS, accessed May 15, 2009
19
Cultural History
The area we know today as Pennsylvania has been inhabited since the end of
the last “Ice Age.” As the continental ice sheets retreated across northern
Pennsylvania, the ancestors of today’s American Indians soon arrived on this
tundra-like landscape across northern Pennsylvania.
After the last Ice Age, the people of North America adapted to the changing
environment. As the climate warmed, new plants and animals flourished.
Mastodons, mammoths and other large animals that could not adapt to the
warming environment became extinct and were replaced by the types of animals
we see today.
Hunting a deer required a very different strategy than hunting an elephant-sized
mammoth. The cold weather spruce forests were replaced by nut-bearing
deciduous trees. Low-lying wetlands teemed with frogs, turtles, snakes, and
other edible animals and plants. Rivers supported freshwater clams, mussels,
and fish. Seasonal migrations of geese and ducks provided yet another reliable
food source. For the next 8,000 years, hunters and gatherers successfully
exploited the landscape that we know today as Pennsylvania.
One benefit of the milder climate was a more dependable food supply of wild
food. With more food, people began to live together in larger camps. They knew
their environment intimately, and moved throughout the seasons to take
advantage of available food resources. They could move to an upland forest
camp in the fall to collect acorns and hickory nuts. In the spring, they might move
down along the river to take advantage of the upstream migration of shad.
Summer might find them near wetlands (frogs and turtles) or berry patches. In
the course of the year, they might also spend time near their favorite stone
outcrop gathering chert or other rocks to be made into stone tools.
About 1800 BC, the people in eastern North America discovered that they could
take certain actions to encourage the growth of their favorite plants. Competitive
species were removed (weeding) giving the preferred species a selective
advantage. Eventually, seeds were collected and curated from growing season to
growing season. Some seed-bearing grasses, such as amaranth or
chenopodium (goosefoot) were probably encouraged in this way and became
important food staples. This artificial selection also led to a more stable and
predictable food supply, and with more food, populations grew. They had taken
the first steps toward the development of agriculture, and would soon become a
population dependent on the food they could grow rather than the food they
could find.
As people became more dependent on the crops they grew, they became
increasingly settled. The seasonal nomadic hunting and gathering ways gave
way to planting and harvesting schedules. Surplus food supplies required
20
storage, and stored food needed to be protected from the bacteria, mold, and
appetites of hungry animals and also from other groups of people. Family ties
were important, but now several different family groups lived together in villages
and towns. Social organization became more complex. With a plentiful and
reliable food supply, it was no longer necessary for every person to engage in
gathering food. With the new “free time,” specialists emerged to redistribute food
and other resources within the community. Trading relationships were
established with others hundreds, even thousands, of miles away.
New artifacts came into use. Finally, the atlatl was replaced by a new weapon,
the bow and arrow. Arrows were tipped with small thin triangular chipped stone
points. Fire-hardened clay containers become common. These pots were fragile,
but they were waterproof and efficient cooking and storage vessels. They could
also be decorated with motifs and themes that were not only practical but also
culturally meaningful.
By the 1500s, many of the native people in Pennsylvania had been impacted by
the arrival of European traders, settlers, and missionaries. In some areas, they
met directly, in others, their material culture, ideas, and germs were passed
along indirectly.
Many archaeological sites have also been recorded near Conneaut Lake,
indicating that people have lived in this area for thousands of years. The
significance of these resources, summarized in Table 8, has not been evaluated
for inclusion on the National Register. A summary of the cultures represented by
these sites is also provided in Table 8. The known historic and archaeological
resources in and around Conneaut Lake represent a broad range of time periods
extending back to the earliest occupation of North America, as indicated in Table
9.
21
TABLE 8
Known Cultural Resources – Conneaut Lake Heritage Communities Program
Cultural
Stage
Time
Period
Lifestyle
Characteristic Artifacts
PaleoIndian
14,000 8,000 BC
Fluted projectile points
Large projectile points and knives
Used high quality stone materials
Archaic
8000 –
1800 BC
Big game hunters; followed herds
of mammoths and other Ice Age
animals; nomadic; lived in small
bands of people
Hunters and gatherers; seasonally
nomadic; hunted deer, elk and postIce Age mammals, birds, and fish;
large camps of related and
unrelated people
Transitional
1800 –
1200 BC
Hunters, gatherers, and limited
gardening; also used resources
from rivers (fish, shellfish)
Early/Middle
Woodland
Late
Woodland
or Late
Prehistoric
500 BC –
1200 AD
800 AD –
1550 AD
Village farmers; stockaded villages
Prehistoric
UD
Village farmers; large stockaded
villages; complicated relationships
with other groups; in Pennsylvania,
longhouses (Iroquois) and “petal”
houses (Monongahela) are known
Unknown
# of
Recorded
Occurrences*
2
Short, broad projectile points
Thick, narrow projectile points
Baskets, fishing gear, grinding stones
Used atlatl
Depended on nuts, seeds, berries in
addition to hunting
Variety of stemmed and notched projectile
points
Carved stone bowls
Used atlatl
7
Burial mounds
Clay pottery
Bow and arrow replaces atlatl
Small thin projectile points
Clay pottery
6
Unknown
9
1
1
22
TABLE 8 continued
Known Cultural Resources – Conneaut Lake Heritage Communities Program
Cultural
Stage
Time
Period
Lifestyle
Characteristic Artifacts
Contact
1550 - 1700
18th
Century
1701-1800
Indians have initial contact with
Europeans, either directly or
indirectly (through other Indians);
begin to adopt some European
traits, such as log houses and guns
Frontier farmers (European,
African, and Indian); small towns
Early 19th
Century
1801-1850
Late 19th
Century
1851-1900
Early 20th
Century
1901-1950
Historical
UD
Glass trade beads
Glass bottles
Metal tools and containers (iron, brass,
copper)
European pottery (e.g. tin-glazed)
European pottery (creamware, pearlware)
Chinese porcelain
Local redware and stoneware
Iron hardware
Forged nails
Creamware, pearlware, porcelain
Local stoneware
Machine-cut nails
Durable, mass-produced pottery (ironstone)
Machine made tools and goods
Ethnic traditions
Mass-produced goods
Plastic
Wire nails
Unknown
TOTAL
Farmers, millers, machinists; towns
established around waterpower;
roads and canals
Farmers, industrial workers, new
immigrants; industrial revolution;
steam power; railroads
Specialists; farms and cities;
electricity; internal combustion
engines; highways
Unknown
# of
Recorded
Occurrences*
0
0
8
12
5
7
58
*Includes multi-component archaeological sites.
UD – Age Undetermined
23
Limit of continental
glacier
Source: The Pennsylvania Atlas
Recorded Sites
Many archaeological sites have also been recorded around Conneaut Lake,
indicating that people have lived near this lake since the last Ice Age. The
significance of these resources, summarized in Table9, has not been evaluated
for inclusion on the National Register.
To date, 32 historic structures, buildings, and sites and 23 archaeological sites
have been identified near Conneaut Lake. Many of the archaeological sites
represent more than one prehistoric culture, that is, they are multi-component
sites that were inhabited more than once since the last glaciation. Systematic
surveys to locate cultural resources have been limited, so it is likely that there are
more historical and archaeological resources that have not been reported.
24
TABLE 9
Archaeological Sites - Conneaut Lake Heritage Communities Program
Site
Number
(36CW)
28
29
30
31
63
116
240
242
245
283
295
296
297
320
330
331
349
374
376
379
475
476
477
Location
Site type
Culture Period
National
Register
Status
North of lake
Summit Township, north
of lake
Wolf Island, west side of
lake (underwater)
Sadsbury Township,
south of lake
Sadsbury Township,
south of lake
Open
Open
Unidentified prehistoric
Unidentified Woodland
Undetermined
Undetermined
Open
Undetermined
Open
Undetermined
Open
Middle Archaic, Late
Archaic, Transitional,
Early Woodland, Middle
Woodland, Late
Woodland
Late Archaic
Undetermined
Sadsbury Township,
Isolated find
Undetermined
west of lake
Sadsbury Township,
Isolated find
Undetermined
west of lake
Summit Township, north Paleontological
Hill Mastodon
Undetermined
of lake
Summit Township, north Isolated find
Paleo Indian
Undetermined
of lake
Conneaut Lake Borough Isolated find
Paleo Indian
Undetermined
Sadsbury Township,
Open
Middle Archaic
Undetermined
eastern shore of lake
Sadsbury Township,
Paleontological
Undetermined
Sadsbury Township,
Paleontological
Undetermined
west side of lake
site
(underwater)
Sadsbury Township,
Open
Early Woodland
Undetermined
west side of lake
(underwater)
Sadsbury Township,
Open
Middle Woodland
Undetermined
Sadsbury Township,
Isolated find
Middle Woodland
Undetermined
Sadsbury Township,
Paleontological
Undetermined
west side of lake
(underwater)
Summit Township, north Open
Middle Archaic
Undetermined
of lake
Late Archaic
Undetermined
of lake
Sadsbury Township,
Open
Middle Woodland
Undetermined
west side of lake
Unidentified prehistoric;
Undetermined
of lake
historic
Undetermined
of lake
Undetermined
of lake
Source: PA Historic and Museum Commission CRGIS; accessed May 15, 2009.
25
Historic and Industrial Heritage Context
The Native Americans, particularly the Seneca of the Iroquois “Five Nations,”
were frequent visitors to the lake, and are responsible for naming it.
Delaware and Seneca Indians called the lake Conneaut, or “Snow Place,”
because the surrounding forests were so dense and that the snow remained
after it had melted elsewhere. The lake’s spring-fed waters attracted abundant
wildlife, and in turn, prehistoric Indian hunters. Their favorite camping site was
the hill next to the winery overlooking the lake’s outlet, the area’s best fishing
spot.
The outlet also lured the first white settler, Abner Evans, who used its water to
power his grist mill in the late-18th century. A village called Evansburg, now
Conneaut Lake, grew up around Evans’ mill and log cabin. About a century
later, the name was changed to Conneaut Lake. Many of the earliest settlers
moved here from northeastern Pennsylvania where they had been forced off their
land when Connecticut laid claim to that region. The coming of the Erie
Extension Canal, operated from 1843 to 1870, gave the village access to the
outside world.
In the middle of the 19th century, the canal building fever that had spread across
Pennsylvania arrived at the Lake. Canal builders saw the lake as a reservoir for
maintaining the water level in the French Creek Feeder Canal and the BeaverLake Erie Canal. The lake’s level was raised by construction of a dam at the
lake’s southern end. Canal boats reached nearby Meadville as early as 1823.
The old canal ran along the winery’s entrance driveway and is still intact just
southeast of the building. But it was the advent of the railroad in the late 19th
century that brought prosperity to the area. The Meadville & Linesville Railroad,
later the Bessemer, occupied the towpath of the abandoned canal. The railroad
was a boom to the lumber industry, especially to the Stratton & Company
sawmill, which stood on the winery’s property.
In the late 19th century, ice
harvesting became an important
industry. At its height, it employed
200 men during the winter and 100 in
the summer. More than 100,000 tons
of ice were sent to Pittsburgh and
other locations each year. The ice
harvesting industry was another
beneficiary. Demand for the lake’s
crystal-clear ice was so great that the
Conneaut Lake Ice Company built
enormous sheds to store the 100 ton harvest. From these buildings, on the lake
shore north of the winery, trainloads of premium ice were shipped to urban
markets. Table 10 lists some important events in Conneaut Lake history.
26
The
lake
became
a
well-known
recreational area by the mid-19th century.
The Conneaut Lake Exposition Park, now
Conneaut Lake Park, was established in
1892 and Conneaut Lake became one of
Pennsylvania’s leading resorts. Private
cottages and hotels sprang up along its
shores. Conneaut Lake Park opened, and
continued to add attractions and rides into
the 20th century. Its large auditoriums and
dance halls provided opportunities for a variety of cultural activities. The Park
became an important economic driver for the communities around the Lake.
The Lake itself also provided recreational
opportunity. Boating was very popular,
and a regatta of sailboats, steamers,
sternwheelers, and catboats populated
the waters during the warm weather. The
Liberty II, powered by a World War I
vintage aircraft engine, sank in the lake in
1922. It was recovered in 1985 and has
been restored.
27
TABLE 10
Conneaut Lake Chronology
Date
1796
1815
1825
1843
1849
1858
1870
1877
1880
1892
1894-95
1895
1900s
1903
1908
1909
1910
1916
1918
1922
1925
1931
1934
1934
1960
1965
1968
1985
1997
2007
2009
Event
Village of Evansburg, now Conneaut Lake, established.
By this date, a log meeting house had been constructed for the benefit of the congregation;
it also served as school.
Canal surveys begin.
The Erie Extension Canal opens.
Many fish in the lake are struck by a disease or parasite and die.
Borough of Evansburg is incorporated.
The Erie Extension Canal closes; abandoned by 1872.
Aaron Lynch opens a boat and livery service on the west shore; he makes other
improvements. Hotel Conneaut is now on the site.
Conneaut Lake Ice Company is formed; it is replaced by the Oakland Beach Hotel.
“Pike perch” fry are introduced to the lake to improve sport fishing.
Evansburg is renamed Conneaut Lake.
The Conneaut Lake Exposition Company is formed to facilitate railroad travel to the lake. A
145-acre park established with rides, amusements, and restaurants, as well as swimming.
Several hotels were constructed.
Conneaut Ice Company succeeds Conneaut Lake Ice Company.
Midway Hotel opens.
Harness racing becomes popular.
Hotel Conneaut opens; partially destroyed by fire in 1943.
A disastrous fire destroys most of Exposition Park.
Dreamland Ballroom opens.
Carousel opens.
Fire destroys the Oakland Hotel.
The Pennsylvania is one of many steamers to operate on the Lake through the 1930s.
The Conneaut Lake Real Estate and Development Company is formed to promote
construction of cottages and other development along the lake.
The Liberty II sinks.
The Temple of Music opens; it was destroyed by fire in 1946.
Boxer Max Schmeling trains at the park prior to a fight in Cleveland.
Perry Como makes debut about this time.
The wooden roller coaster the Blue Streak opens.
Fairyland Forest opens.
Borough railroad station is razed.
“Hippies” establish a commune at nearby Harmonsburg; by winter, drug use and an
outbreak of hepatitis broke up the group.
The Liberty II is salvaged from the bottom of the lake.
Camperland replaces Fairyland Forest.
Conneaut Lake Park is sold as part of bankruptcy proceedings and is reorganized as a public
trust.
Park closed, except for the Beach Club.
Park reopens under direction of the Trustees of Conneaut Lake Park.
28
Sources Consulted
Faris, John T. 1919. Seeing Pennsylvania. Philadelphia & London: J. B. Lippincott Co.
Dept. of Health, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. 1915. Report on the sanitary survey of the
Allegheny River Basin. Harrisburg, PA: Wm. Stanley Ray, State Printer.
Annual report of the War Department, Report of the Chief of Engineers, Part 3. 1899.
Washington: Government Printing Office.
McKnight, William James. 1905. Pioneer Outline History of Northwestern Pennsylvania.
Philadelphia: J. B. Lippincott.
Samuelson, Dale, AJP Samuelson and Wendy Yegoiants. 2001. The American Amusement
Park. St. Paul, MN: MBI Publishing Co.
Gordon, Thomas Francis. 1832. A gazetteer of the State of Pennsylvania . . . T. Belknap.
Mead, Spencer P. 1907. Genealogical index to the Genealogy of the Mead family, published in
1901. Knickerbocker Press.
Transactions of the American Fisheries Society at its forty-first annual meeting, October 1911 at
St. Louis, Mo. 1912. Washington.
An Allegheny Ice Company. Ice and Refrigeration Vol. XI, No. 6 (December 1896: 371-377).
The Adams Sentinel (Gettysburg, PA), July 9, 1849
Historic Markers
The iconic blue and yellow PHMC Historic Markers identify important historic
sites, events, and resources and are readily recognizable by heritage tourists,
residents and the casual traveler. Table 11 summarizes the PHMC markers
found to be especially critical for the Study Area.
29
TABLE 11
Historic Markers – Conneaut Lake Vicinity, Crawford County
Name
Location
Category
Byron D.
Benson
John William
Heisman
Allegheny
College
N. Main St. (Pa. 86) at
Sherman St., Meadville
Education
Conneaut
Reservoir
U.S. 6 & 322 E of
Conneaut Lake
Canals, Navigation,
Transportation
Crawford
County
County Courthouse, 903
Diamond Park, Meadville
Business & Industry, Early
Settlement, Government &
Politics, Government & Politics
19th Century, Oil
Erie
Extension
Canal
U.S. 322 E of Hartstown
Canals, Navigation,
Transportation
Erie
Extension
Canal
Pa. 618 S of Conneaut
Lake Park
Canals, Navigation,
Transportation
Text
One of the founders of the Tidewater Pipe Company. Their
pipeline used a larger pipe and pumped oil a greater distance
and higher elevation than ever before, revolutionizing the
transportation of crude oil. (This marker was approved in 2009.)
Legendary college football coach, the coveted Heisman Trophy
was named for him. He revolutionized the sport with the center
snap, the hidden-ball play, the Heisman shift, and promotion of
legalization of the forward pass, as well as numerous safety
improvements. (This marker was approved in 2009.)
Oldest college in continuous existence under the same name
west of the Allegheny Mountains. Founded 1815. Chartered
1817. The college's first president, Timothy Alden, was
architect of Bentley Hall, which became the center of
administration.
Raised some 10 feet by a 23-mile "feeder" from Meadville, this
lake was the vital source of water for the highest part of the
canal, 4 miles west. Lake water and traffic flowed north to Erie,
south to the Ohio River.
Formed March 12, 1800 from Allegheny County. Meadville, in
1788, was the first permanent settlement in northwest
Pennsylvania. In 1842 the nation's first direct primary was held
here. Cradle of the oil and zipper industries. Named for Col.
William Crawford.
Cut off from the rest of Pymatuning Swamp by a 3-mile bank,
this became the 600-acre "Pymatuning Reservoir" of the canal,
which lay at its western edge. Begun by the State, 1838;
finished by the Erie Canal Co., 1843-44.
By this channel Conneaut Lake, raised 9 feet above normal
level, fed water to the canal at its highest point, the junction of
the Shenango and Conneaut Lines, about 2 miles west from
here. The canal was in use 1844 to 1871.
30
TABLE 11
Name
Location
Category
Text
Erie
Extension
Canal
U.S. 6 & 322 E of
Conneaut Lake (Missing)
Canals, Navigation,
Transportation
Erie
Extension
Canal
Pa. 18 N of Conneautville
Canals, Navigation,
Transportation
Erie
Extension
Canal
U.S. 6 W of Shermansville
Canals, Navigation,
Transportation
Erie
Extension
Canal
Pa. 18 S of Adamsville
(Missing)
Canals, Navigation,
Transportation
French Creek
Feeder
U.S. 19 SW of Meadville
Canals, Navigation,
Transportation
French Creek
Feeder
U.S. 322 S of Meadville
Canals, Navigation,
Transportation
Begun by the State, 1836, as part of a system of internal
improvements. Completed 1843-44 by a private company. In
use until 1871. Extended 105 miles from New Castle to Erie;
French Creek Feeder joined it with Meadville.
Part of the old channel lies near the highway. The Conneaut
Line, from Erie to near Conneaut Lake, was begun by the
State, 1838, and completed by the Erie Canal Company, 184344. Canal in use until 1871.
Remains of the canal bed may be seen beside the railroad,
below the bridge. Less than 2 miles away this Shenango Line,
from New Castle, united with the Conneaut Line, from Erie. The
entire canal was in use 1844-1871.
Canal bed visible at foot of the slope, toward the railroad.
Extended from Beaver Division Canal, at New Castle, to Erie;
this part of the Shenango Line, north to Conneaut Lake, was
completed in 1842, and in use until 1871.
The canal visible beyond the field was built 1827-1834.
Repaired in 1841, it carried water from French Creek to
Conneaut Lake, reservoir for the Erie Extension canal, which
operated between Erie and New Castle , 1844-71.
The canal bed beside the road is part of a channel constructed
1827-1834 to take water from Meadville to Conneaut Lake for
the Erie Extension Canal. Two miles below here the Feeder
crossed the creek by aqueduct.
Meadville
U.S. 6 & 19 N of Meadville
(Missing); U.S. 322 S of
Meadville (Missing); U.S. 6
& 322 W of Meadville
(Missing)
Cities & Towns, Early Settlement,
Government & Politics,
Government & Politics 18th
Century, Invention
Founded in 1788 by David Mead and other settlers from the
Wyoming region. In 1800 made county seat. First direct primary
in U.S. held here in 1842. Making of hookless fasteners was
pioneered here.
31
TABLE 11
Name
Location
Category
Text
Reynolds
House
Baldwin & Reynolds Ave.,
Meadville
Government & Politics,
Government & Politics 19th
Century, Houses & Homesteads
Richard
Henderson
Liberty & Arch Sts., next to
Bethel AME Church,
Meadville
African American, Professions &
Vocations, Underground Railroad
Unitarian
Church
Main & Chestnut Sts.,
Meadville (missing)
Religion
Two blocks west is the home built in 1843 by Justice Henry
Baldwin, who was appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court in
1830. As a member of Congress from 1816 to 1822, he was an
early advocate of protective tariff. The house is now maintained
as a museum by the Crawford County Historical Society.
Born a slave in Maryland in 1801, he escaped as a boy and
about 1824 came to Meadville. A barber, he was long active in
the Underground Railroad. His Arch Street house, since torn
down, is estimated to have harbored some 500 runaway slaves
prior to the Civil War.
A fine example of Greek Revival architecture. It was erected in
1835-36 at a cost of $3500, mostly given by Shippen and
Huidekoper families. Planned by the builder of Fort Sumter,
General George W. Cullum.
Source:
PHMC website (phmc.state.pa.us); accessed May 27, 2009
Tables numbered to here
4/5/10
32
Museums
There are three museums in the immediate area, as summarized below:
Conneaut Lake Area Historical Society Museum
The Conneaut Lake Area Historical Society Museum is located at 150 North
Third St in the Borough of Conneaut Lake, in the former community hall and
includes hundreds of exhibits in the main room as well as a lobby with exhibits
featuring the area’s ice house industry, agricultural industry and Conneaut Lake
and the Park.
The Liberty the Second, a speed boat which sank in Conneaut Lake in the
1920s, was recovered more than 60 years later and subsequently restored is
stored in the garage portion of the structure. The boat has an airplane engine –
one of only a few in the country, with the other known at Wright Air Force Base
(Dayton, Ohio) and another in the Smithsonian Institute in Washington. Both of
these reportedly are static displays but the engine on Liberty the Second is
operable.
Inside the main lobby are exhibits featuring aspects of the area’s unique history,
including a 1940s kitchen, the Feeder Canal, schools, sports, boats, Conneaut
Lake Park, military photographs, fire department memorabilia as well as scouting
and other special exhibits – such as a hotel exhibit showing how many hotels that
were once located in the area. Also featured are pictures of famous celebrities
who either visited, worked or lived in the area and went on to fame and fortune.
They include such people as Perry Como, Doris Day, world heavyweight
champions Max Schmeling and Max Baer as well as visitors Mark Twain,
President William McKinley, James Garfield and more recently Gov. Tom Ridge.
A research center is located in the
office, which includes microfilm and
printer of the Conneaut Lake Breeze
from the 1920s to which the weekly
newspaper closed in the 1980s. The
center also has notebooks containing
various paper items, including deeds,
newspaper
clippings
and
photographs of a wide range of topics including cemeteries, boats, schools,
churches, Conneaut Lake Park, Fairyland Forest, townships and borough
business, local businesses, organization activities and sports. Also are included
some personal family histories as well as personality profiles of many local
citizens and city directories and other types of books which can be used to trace
history of the area or for genealogy purposes.
33
The area’s rich history is told in panels on a mural on an exterior wall of the
building. It depicts heritage from the days of the Native Americans to today.
Painted by member Nancy Helmreich, the mural has deep rich colors and is a
beautiful tribute to our town and our ancestors. Museum hours are 2 p.m. to 5
p.m., Saturday and Sunday. However, special appointments may be made by
visitors calling ahead. Admission to the museum is free of charge but donations
are accepted.
Crawford County Historical Society
The Crawford County Historical Society located in Meadville at 411 Chestnut
Street in the Helene Barco-Duratz Cultural Center. The society was founded in
1880 with the purpose is to collect, preserve and interpret the history of Crawford
County. The Society reports that its archives contains one of the oldest and most
comprehensive repositories for genealogical resources in northwestern
Pennsylvania, an extensive library of regional and state history and local authors,
a large manuscript and photo collection and a massive collection of records of
the Erie Railroad. In the latter case, the Society has a blueprints, maps,
locomotive cards, passenger car cards, freight car cards, accident reports and a
wealth of other information about the Erie and Erie-Lackawanna Railroads.
The French Creek Valley Railroad Historical Society (FCV) was incorporated in
1996, but became inactive shortly thereafter. In 2004, it was reactivated by
members of the Railroad Committee of the Crawford County Historical Society,
who make up the core group of FCV members. The FCV has been working on
several areas connected with the railroad collection including organizing the
collection, locating, organizing and creating a museum and creating a scale
model display of the Meadville yards.
The Crawford County Historical Society museum is open Monday-Friday 1:00 –
5:00 and Saturday 9:00 – 3:00.
Baldwin-Reynolds House Museum
The Baldwin-Reynolds House Museum is located at 639 Terrace Street,
Meadville. This striking house with a commanding view was built by Henry
Baldwin in the 1840’s, member of the House of Representatives and Supreme
Court Justice in the early 19th Century, where he resided. Later it became the
home of the locally prominent Reynolds family through the 1960’s. The Crawford
County Historical Society purchased the property and has kept it as a house
museum, getting much of the Baldwin and Reynolds family furnishings back as
well as displaying items from the people of Crawford County. Museum hours
vary but are generally Wednesday through Sunday 12:00 - 4:00 (Mid-May June,
July, and August).
34
Other Potential Conneaut Lake Park Heritage Resources
There are a number of other potential heritage resources within the Park related
to and/or reinforcing tourism.
Hotels
Conneaut Lake Park at one time sustained many hotels, inns and cottages.
Unfortunately most are gone and only the Hotel Conneaut continues its role in
providing accommodations. Table 12 on the following page provides basic
information on each of the inns, hotels and cottages, including name(s), years in
operation, location and general comments such as renaming, destruction, etc. As
is seen, the turn of the last century appears to have been the heyday of
accommodations construction. Obviously, a fire in 1908 was particularly
devastating to at least four of the structures.
Dark Rides
Conneaut Lake Park has a long history of “dark attractions” dating back to
“Exposition Park era” at the turn of the 20th century. These included:

One of its first dark illusion rides was the Haunted Swing, a simple but convincing
ride that caused it riders to slowly swing back and forth until the swing rotated them
upside down through a 360-degree arc, or so it seemed. In reality, the room and its
nailed down furniture rotated around the actually stationary "riders".
The Old Mill ride was built in 1905 and stayed at the park for over 30 years, when it
was rebuilt into the park’s first Pretzel (Laff-In-The-Dark) ride in the 40’s, which in
turn operated until about 1960.
The turn of the 20th Century also ushered in a long line of fun houses, such as The
Giggle House, Castle of Fun and the latter transformed into the Crazy Maze from the
50’s until the 60’s.
The park’s last true fun house began in 1909 as the second bowling alley, replacing
the building that burned the previous year. In 1961 the building became a dark walk
through style fun house featuring a slanted room, mirror maze, slide, moving
floorboards, pop up stunts and other traditional gags. The Park also had a Kiddieland
Fun House.
In 1973 an electric Pretzel returned to the park, known as both the Pit of Death and
Dracula’s Cave, operating during until 1985.
The dark ride with a particularly long run was the Devil’s Den/Dr. Moriarity’s Wild
Ride, built in 1968 and operating through the 1990’s.
Source:
www.laffinthedark.com/articles/conneaut
Nostalgia is always important in tourism planning where people can “go back”
and experience their “youth” and given the popular interest in “retro” things in
general.
35
TABLE 12
Conneaut Lake Park Hotels, Inns and Cottages Summary
Name
Years in
Operation
Aldine Cottage c1903-1959
Antler Hotel
1928-1930
Bismarck
Hotel
Colonial Hotel
c1900-1908
c1900-1908
Echo Hotel
1893-?
Location
Comments
NE Corner Reed &
Center
NW corner Park &
Comstock
Park, N side between
Lake St. & Center *
Dismantled 1959, along with Gladstone &
Victoria *
Formerly Park Hotel; bldg. vacant 1931-32;
destroyed by fire 1932; see also Park Hotel
Destroyed in 1908 fire; poss. rebuilt
Lake St. & Center *
N end of park grounds
near original RR station
NW corner Reed &
Center
Destroyed in 1908 fire; relocated to SE corner
Park & Comstock with restaurant 1st floor *
Formerly McClure House
Elephant
c1899-1931
Cottage
Lake front, S of Lake
Exposition
1893-1902
St.
Hotel
Garden House c1910-c1938 Reed, N side W of SR
Renamed Elephant Apartments 1920s
German Hotel
Gladstone
Hotel
Hotel
Conneaut
Hotel
Elmwood
Hotel Reany
c1900-1908
c1903-1959
Listed in 1910 pamphlet having 100 rooms
Hotel Virginia
1906-
Lakeside Inn
1907-1960s
Mantor House
c1897-1906
Park Hotel
1910-1927
Park House
c1900-1908
Puritan Hotel
c1900-1908
Victoria
Cottage
1900-1959
1903present
c1920-
618
NA
Reed, N side between
Center & Lake St.
Lake front, S. of Lake
St.
NE corner Reed & Lake
St.
c1916-c1920 NE Corner Reed &
Lake Sr.
SW corner Brown &
Center
NW corner Lake St. &
Kepler
NW corner Lake St. &
Kepler
NW corner Park &
Comstock
Park Ave., N side
between Lake St. &
Center *
Lake St. & Center *
Reed, N side between
Lake St. & Center
Exposition Park Hotel: dismantled or
extensively enlarged to become Hotel
Conneaut *
Dismantled 1959
Replaced Exposition Hotel: extensive
renovations 1928, 1934-35, 1959, 1982present; partially destroyed by fire 1943
Formerly Hotel Reany (c1916-c1920)
dismantled 1967 see also Hotel Reany
Renamed Hotel Elmwood c1920: see also
Hotel Elmwood
Opened 1906 as Hotel Conneaut Annex *
Formerly Mantor House before 3rd added floor;
called Lakeside Hotel, 1920s; structure still
standing, presently dormitory for summer
employees; see also Mantor House
3rd floor added and renamed Lakeside Inn,
1907; see also Lakeside Inn
Renamed Antler Hotel, 1928; see also Antler
Hotel
Destroyed in 1908 fire
Destroyed in 1908 fire
Sometimes listed as Victoria Inn and Victoria
Hotel; dismantled in 1959
* Signifies estimates of possible dates and outcomes.
36
Paranormal
Perhaps reinforcing the “dark rides”
element noted above, Hotel Conneaut has
a certain folklore association with the
paranormal or unexplained. In everyday
terms, there are stories of being
“haunted”. During local meetings and field
work, the matter was discussed and
dismissed by a fair number of local
residents, some obviously at least a little
embarrassed.
However, not only do
stories get lives of their own but attention is drawn to them from other sources.
For example, the Paranormal State television series feature Hotel Conneaut in
one of its episodes during season four where it explored local legends. The
show sponsor (Paranormal Research Society) also scheduled a “field trip” for
paranormal aficionados that it billed as an opportunity to “…return to Hotel
Conneaut with a troop of Field Trippers to help uncover additional secrets”.
37
Inventory of Community Events/Activities
Comprehensive inventories of events are not readily available for all activities in
the community, although the following information was taken from input at
Community Workshops and local websites.
Some signature events are
summarized below:
Event
Location
Timeframe
Ice Fishing - informal
Snow Ball Pageant/Festival/Activities
Marina Open House
“Taste of Conneaut Lake” Festival
Barbara J Sternwheeler Tours
DooWop Festival/Related
Berry Jam N Jazz
Conneaut Lake Classic Boat Show
July 4th Fireworks
Art Fair on the Boardwalk
Pgh. Area Jitterbug Club's Beach Bash
Harvest Picnic
Fall Pumpkinfest
Lights Around the Lake
On Lake
CLHS/other
CL Marina
Museum
Silver Shores
CLP/other
Various local
Ice House Park
lakeside
CLP
CLP
Winery
CLP
CLP
Jan – Feb
February
April
May
May-August
Memorial Weekend
June
June
July
August
August
September
October
Nov - Dec
Based on the dates of the above events, the early third and last quarter of the
year appears to have fewer activities and events. Program consideration of
events associated with the winter sports theme and spring events seems to be
logical.
A synthesis of the group dynamics yields the following identification of
attractions, activities and events held by the general public, as reflected in
discussion at public meetings, workshops and feedback by the local
stakeholders.
38
Conneaut Lake – Stakeholder comments
Key Stories – “things that everyone should know about Conneaut Lake”
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
“Snow Waters” (meaning of Conneaut Lake)
Fishing, hunting (the one that got away; my first . . .; the biggest muskie/white
bass. . .)
Music Heritage Do-Wops, Big Bands (i.e. Doris Day, Perry Como, etc.)
Topography, geology (the ice came . . . and left us a lake, kames, eskers,
drumlins)
Ice industry
Sports (Max Schmeling; local teams and tourneys)
Water – the lake is “it”
Settlement (mills, colonial wars, Indians, Donation & Depreciation Lands, Holland
Land Co.)
Evansburg (original name and settlement)
Industry (lumber, quarrying)
Agriculture
Conneaut Lake Park
Railroads, inter-urban lines
Resort area
Key Activities
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Water skiing (no horsepower limit)
Swimming
Water sports
Boating
Conneaut Lake Park (historic park, Tumble Bug, coaster, etc.)
Fishing/ice fishing
Hunting
Sightseeing (architecture, landscape, fall leaves, spring blooms)
Family vacations
Bird/wildlife watching
Ghost hunting (i.e. “haunted” park and hotel)
Classic boats
Shopping
Eating & drinking (restaurants, wineries, etc.)
Hiking/Walking/Bicycling
Farmers’ market, farm tours
Golfing
39
Local Comment Summary
Numerous attractions, businesses and attractions were noted during the
research and planning process, many of which were noted in the above tables.
Overall, the following summarizes the central themes associated with these
resources.
TYPE
DESCRIPTION
Outdoors
The community is uniquely positioned to take
advantage of Conneaut Lake and close enough to
Pymatuning State Park to be a Pennsylvania’s Great
Lakes Region destination. This includes everything from
day users to campers to summer residents. The
potential for trails expands the outdoors base as the
community becomes a “trail town”.
There is a wide assortment of specialty and
convenience commercial establishments in the region,
although many are outside the corporate limits of the
Borough.
The Conneaut Lake Area Historical Society Museum is
a major resource in interpreting the industrial,
recreational and seasonal heritage of the area. It is
operated on a part-time basis by volunteers who do the
best possible job with limited funding and spare time.
Pymatuning State Park is nearby and Maurice K.
Goddard State Park and the Erie National Wildlife
Refuge. These are intrinsic resources for visitors and
residents noted by residents and stakeholders alike,
and in essence help define the County and region’s
quality of life and nature heritage.
Conneaut Lake has the distinct reputation as a
recreational mecca with the long heritage of Conneaut
Lake Park and the recreational use of the Lake.
Literally, generations have been relaxing, unwinding
and even “partying” in Conneaut Lake.
Publicized events and activities have a varied
orientation, most essentially having a regional draw and
a “lake or park orientation”. While some may be
common activities (i.e. a winter festival, July 4th, etc.)
many have a unique “Conneaut flair” (i.e. Marina Open
House, Classic Boat Show, Beach Bash, etc.).
Regional resources such as Conneaut Lake Park, the
Lake, the State Parks, Meadville attractions, Erie
attractions as well as strategic location in relation to
Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Erie and several Interstate
Highways are noted. .
Ice fishing was the major winter sports mentioned.
Commercial
Museums
State Parks and Related
Recreation/Amusement
Community Calendar
Attractions
Seasonal Activities
40
Water Related Resources
Conneaut Lake is within the Pennsylvania Great Lakes Region as identified by
the PA Department of Community and Economic Development
(www.visitpa.com). In addition to Lake Erie, the general area in and around
Conneaut Lake reflects this branding.
Conneaut Lake
The unique feature of the community is of
course Conneaut Lake (950+ acres),
reportedly the largest natural lake within
Pennsylvania. Conneaut Lake was formed
as a kettle lake at the end of the Pleistocene
Epoch of pre-history. A large block of ice
likely broke off the receding ice front and
was surrounded by accumulating sediment.
After the ice melted, the resulting depression
was filled with water forming the lake. Water
flows into Conneaut Lake through Inlet Run, a small stream on the north end of
the lake. Water exits through the Conneaut Outlet, a larger creek which flows to
the south through the Conneaut Marsh. The Conneaut outlet flows into French
Creek, making it part of the Mississippi River drainage.
Before the early 1800s, Conneaut Lake was conspicuously absent from maps of
the region, while much smaller nearby lakes were shown. The first recorded
account of the lake was on May 5, 1791. The advent of rail travel made it a
popular place for recreation and the development of present-day Conneaut Lake
Park reinforced this role. The lake is notable as a site of early motorboat racing.
The deep, cold waters of the lake allow it to stay frozen relatively late into the
spring. This made Conneaut Lake a vital source of ice, prior to mechanical
refrigeration. During the summer season, it is heavily populated with people
vacationing to the lake area, as well as local residents. The scenic, natural lake
still draws many locals, seasonal residents and visitors and its lack of power
restrictions continues to draw powerboats.
Pymatuning State Park
Pymatuning State Park is a large facility located in extreme western Crawford
County near Linesville. It consists of 21,122 acres, and is the largest state park in
the Commonwealth. The 17,088-acre Pymatuning Reservoir is the largest lake in
the Commonwealth. In its three campgrounds, Pymatuning has the most
campsites in the state park system. More people visit Pymatuning than almost
any other Pennsylvania state park. It offers boating, fishing, swimming, camping
and enjoying other recreational opportunities. In addition to the state park
facilities, the Pa. Fish and Boat Commission operates a fish hatchery and visitor
41
center, and the Pa. Game Commission has wildlife viewing areas, and learning
center. Facilities include:

Boating: 20 hp motors are permitted; Three Pennsylvania boat marinas have
boat mooring and rent pontoon boats, motorboats, rowboats, canoes and
motors, and have a store that has bait, tackle and snacks; Marinas include
the Jamestown Watercraft Concession – A 203-slip located in the south end of the
park two miles west of Jamestown, PA,; the Espyville Marina Concession - A 184slip marina is located on the
northeast side of the 2.5-mile
causeway, which bridges the state of
Pennsylvania with Ohio accessible
from PA 285; and the Linesville
Marina Concession - A 170-slip
marina is located two miles west of
Linesville off of West Erie Street
Extension, it is complimented by
other state park facilities including a
beach, campground, and cabin area.

Picnicking: Picnic tables are available in many areas throughout the Park.
There are eleven (11) picnic pavilions that may be reserved up to 11 months
in advance for a fee and unreserved picnic pavilions are free on a first-come,
first-served basis.

Spillway Concession: Where the "ducks walk on the fishes backs." 300,000
visitors come each year to feed the fish and view the wildlife in this area.
Located two miles south of Lineville on the Hartstown Road, concession has
refreshments, souvenirs, and fish food for sale.

Fishing: The Pymatuning Reservoir is a warm-water fishery and common
species are walleye, muskellunge, carp, crappie, perch, bluegill, and
largemouth and smallmouth bass. Ice fishing during the winter months is also
popular.

Swimming: Four public beaches, Linesville, Tuttle, Jamestown One and Two,
and the beach for campers in Jamestown Campground are open the
weekend before Memorial Day through Labor Day, weather and conditions
permitting.

Hunting and Firearms: About 10,300 acres are open to hunting, trapping and
the training of dogs during established seasons. Common game species are
deer, turkey, rabbit, squirrel and waterfowl.

Hiking: There are approximately seven (7) miles of trails near Tuttle and
Jamestown campgrounds, and the abandoned railroad grade on the Spillway
is a flat, wide trail.
42

Camping: There are three camping areas with modern restrooms/showers
that are generally open from mid-April through mid-October.

Environmental education/interpretation: Through hands-on activities, guided
walks and evening programs, participants gain appreciation, understanding,
and develop a sense of stewardship toward natural and cultural resources.

Natural areas: Pymatuning has two natural areas in the northern part of the
lake. The 725-acre Blackjack Swamp has unique natural communities, in
addition to Clark Island which has 161 acres of mature hardwood and white
pine forest. .
The south shore of the park, including Jamestown Campground, boat launch,
beach, cabins, picnic areas, group tenting and the park office, can be reached
from US 322. The north shore of the park, including Linesville Campground,
beach, picnic areas, boat launch, marina and cabins can be reached from US 6.
The east shore of the park, Tuttle Campground, beach, picnic areas, boat launch
and Espyville Marina can be reached from PA 285.
Winter Recreation opportunities include Ice Fishing, Iceboating, Snowmobiling
(Fries Road Trail by Tuttle Campground and the abandoned railroad grade by the
spillway provide five miles of trails for snowmobiles and additional trails and open
fields in the Jamestown area); Cross-country Skiing (Most open areas of the park
are open to cross-country skiing) and Sledding (slopes of the dam are good for
sledding).
Maurice K. Goddard State Park
The 2,856-acre Maurice K. Goddard State Park is located near Sandy Lake, PA
in Mercer County. The Park includes the 1,860-acre Lake Wilhelm, which is very
popular with anglers. The large lake, abundant wetlands, old fields and mature
forests provide a diversity of habitats for wildlife, especially waterfowl, eagles and
ospreys. Facilities include:

Biking: A twelve-mile paved bicycle trail follows the shoreline, accessible from
many points. The trail is open to two-way bicycle traffic, hiking, snowmobiling
and cross-country skiing.

Hiking: Fourteen (14) miles of hiking trails ranging from moderate to difficult
hiking.

Fishing: The 1,860-acre Lake Wilhelm is a warm-water fishery. Common
species are largemouth and smallmouth bass, walleye, northern pike,
muskellunge, bluegill, crappie, catfish, perch and sunfish. A bait and fishing
tackle concession is available at the marina.
43

Picnicking: Picnic tables, pavilions (seating 40-100) and charcoal grills are
available throughout the park.

Hunting and Firearms: Over 1,155 acres of the Park, plus Lake Wilhelm, are
open to hunting, trapping and the training of dogs during established seasons.
Common game species are deer and waterfowl. State Game Land 270 is
adjacent to the park.

Boating: 20 hp motors permitted; a 241-slip marina and a 48-space dry land
mooring area; in addition to the boat launch area at the Marina, seven (7)
other boat launches around the lake; only non-powered vessels are allowed
in the Game Commission section of the lake; and the boat concession offers
pontoon boats, row boats, motorboats, kayaks and canoes.

Winter Activities include Ice Fishing, Iceboating, Ice Skating, Sledding and
Tobogganing, Cross-country Skiing (8 miles of marked trails) and
Snowmobiling (6 miles of trail)
Erie National Wildlife Refuge
Erie National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) was established in 1959 and is located in
Crawford County ten (10) miles east of Meadville near Guys Mills village. The
refuge consists of two separate land units. The Sugar Lake Division, containing
5,206 acres, is the unit closest to Guys Mills. The Seneca Division, containing
3,594 acres, is 10 miles north of the Sugar Lake Division and borders French
Creek near Cambridge Springs.
The primary objective of the refuge is to provide waterfowl and other migratory
birds with nesting, feeding, brooding, and resting habitat. Other objectives are to
provide habitat to support a diversity of wildlife species and to enhance
opportunities for wildlife-oriented public recreation and environmental education.
The diverse habitat types found on Erie NWR attract over 237 species of birds,
47 species of mammals and 37 species of amphibians and reptiles. Waterfowl
migrations occur from March to early April and again from September to
November. Visitor opportunities include wildlife viewing areas, several trails,
drives and overlooks, and hunting and fishing opportunities.
44
Inventory and Survey of Businesses
The Conneaut Lake area “business
district” identified by the consulting team
actually consists of approximately 100
businesses in four separate areas, the intown pedestrian scale district on Water
Street and the extension of this district
eastward along Route 6 (a little more
vehicle oriented), the districts along
Routes 18 and 618 along or near eastern and western shores of the lake,
respectively and Route 18 South. The following details these business areas as
identified in a windshield survey in July 2009, with greater detail given to the intown businesses:
Water Street/Downtown/Route 6 Businesses

Rite Aid: Typical franchise Rite Aid offering over the counter and, prescription drugs,
personal hygiene items but also offering beach wear, beach chairs, umbrellas,
coolers on a small scale.
Chilson’s Home Furnishings: Appearance of a “family run” furniture business.
Nifty Nails: Tanning and Nail Salon.
Penny Cuts Hair Salon: Attractive 3-operator salon.
The Berry Basket: Nice specialty retailer offering candles, flower arrangements,
purses and jewelry,
Tink’s Subs: Sandwich and related food shop.
Ralston’s True Value Hardware: Appearance of the “old fashioned” hardware (rather
than big-box) offering hardware and some appliances.
Michael Swick: Dentist
Bernie’s Country Antiques. A Business Survey respondent calls it “… the best kept
secret in Conneaut Lake” perhaps reflecting the sign and business cards that read
“Open by Chance or Appointment.”
Livingston’s Meat: Offers various fresh meat, some seafood, gourmet soup
packages, seasonings, sauces and home made maple syrup.
Light House Diner: Appearance of a “home town diner”.
Ardi’s: Small beauty shop also offering flower arrangements, jewelry and clothing for
mature customers.
J & R Party Elegance: Wedding needs, tux rental, gowns, paper decorations,
balloons, banners, etc.
Video Rental: Self explanatory
Richmond Real Estate and Gordan Design Solutions
National City Bank
Pizza Hut
Dillinger Auto Service: Self-explanatory but also sells wooden tables, swings, chairs.
First National Bank
Sheetz
Conneaut Lake Museum: Visible but actually on Third St.
Kentucky Fried Chicken
Quality Engineering Solutions
Laundromat
45
Other Route 6 Businesses

Conneaut Winery
Conneaut Lake Fire Dept. Station #3 (with banquet, dining and bar facilities)
The Navigation Co.
Nyes Marine
Lakeside Medical Center
Lakeview Ford
Silver Shores Restaurant
Route 18 North (eastern shore)

Lakeside Beer
Conneaut Water Works (spa, pools)
The Haven—Bar
Pizza Joes & Mini Golf
Lasch’s Auto Sales
Lakeview Insurance
Carwash
Timberland Frame & Floral—candles, gifts, candy
Lakeside Golf Range
Pelican Landing
Victory Family Worship
Off Road Express
HVAC
PNC Bank
Professional Building, Lawyers, Counselors
Lakeside Meats—seafood, poultry
Conneaut Lake Fire Dept. Station #2 (with banquet facilities)
Lakeside Square Professional Office
Lakeview Beauty Salon
CL Health Center
Anchor Beer Distributor
Superior Construction Co.
Lakeside Lanes—bowling
Shell—convenience store
Ace’s—bar & grill
The Craft Patch
Ferguson Construction
Lakeside Center—4 Ever Fit, State Farm Insurance, Family Medicine, Financial
Services, Surveyors
Salty Dog—go cart track
Coldwell Banker Real Estate
Bill’s Midway Marina
Stable Pit & Pub
Bark Park
Oakland Beach Golf & Restaurant
CL Sports Association—social fraternal club
River Valley Energy Services
Lakeland Tool & Die
Hay’s Eastside Garage
46
Rt. 618 North/South (Western Shore)

Fairway 12 Motel & Lounge
Snow Waters Townhouse Community
Conneaut Lake Park
Camperland /convenience store
Parkside Motel
The Palms Nite Club
The Sunset View Motel
Drydock Bar & Grill
Milliard Aluminum & self-storage
The Overnight Inn
The Lake House—casual family dining
CL Volunteer Fire Dept. Station #5
Walt’s Tavern
Irish Cove Motel
T & M Tackle & Bait
Antonio’s—restaurant
Ferrelton Propane Gas
Conneaut Lake Self Storage
Route 18 South

Zatsick’s Golden Dawn Supermarket
Byler’s Custom Kitchens
CL Home & Garden
Buchfield Farms
P & D’s Saloon
National Food Management
Lake Road Marine
Crystal Lake Inn—Bar, Restaurant
Perceptions – Views from an Outside Visitor
Taken together, the Conneaut Lake business areas provide a varied assortment
of good and services to year-round residents, seasonal residents and more
casual visitors. As the inventory suggests, Conneaut Lake has the capacity and
diversity to serve the traveling public. Salient perceptions include:

These business areas are spread out and the newcomer probably would have
difficulty just figuring out what may be available.
The pedestrian-oriented Water Street business area is not really pedestrianfriendly in terms of crossing busy Route 6. In addition, the traffic lights on
Water Street (Route 6) appear to be timed to get vehicular traffic through the
business district as quickly as possible.
Business hours vary considerably and there appear to be limited ding choice
after 9:00 PM.
To the consulting team, there appear to be some retailing gaps, such as ice
cream parlor, women’s clothing store, men’s clothing, shoe store or
bookstore.
47

With the exception of a few professional service establishments, most of the
local businesses provide goods and services that may attract visitors, as well
as local residents.
The choice of accommodations is limited to the western side of the lake,
consisting of locally-owned (rather than chain) older (1950’s-60’s)
establishments.
Tourism planning theory suggests a rough rule of thumb that viable business
districts that attract visitors need a minimum of ten (10) businesses that are
visitor-retail, ten (10) businesses that are food-related and at least ten (10)
businesses that are open after 5:00 PM. The combined Conneaut Lake business
areas appear to meet this rule of thumb.
48
Business Survey
A survey of businesses was conducted during mid-2009. The questionnaire was
developed in consultation with the local Stakeholders Committee. The
stakeholders helped develop a listing of commercial and services businesses
most closely associated with tourism and addresses and personally dropped off
questionnaires, with completed questionnaires returned to the Consultant.
Overview of Responses: Stakeholder Group members distributed the questionnaires
personally, focusing on those businesses particularly serving visitors and vacationers. A
total of eighteen (18) responses were received representing an overall return of 33%,
which exceeded our internal 25% target. The detailed returns are as follows:
TYPE
Lodging: Motel, hotel, B&B, etc.
Retailing: Gifts, convenience goods,
hardware, etc.
Eating/Drinking Establishments:
Restaurants, taverns, etc.
Food Products/Services: Food products,
snacks, groceries, etc.
Recreation services: Guide, outfitter,
sporting equipment, etc.
Attraction: Amusement, museum,
entertainment establishment, etc.
Medical/Dental Goods/Services
Other Professional Services: Legal,
accounting, etc.
Automotive Goods/Services: Fuel, service,
automobile parts, sales, etc.
Financial Services: Banking, real estate,
insurance, etc.
Personal/Household Services: Plumbing,
contracting, hairstyling, repair, etc.
Rental
Business Services: Data processing,
copying, etc.
Storage/Wholesaling
Non-profit agency/organization
Other
No Response
TOTAL
Conneaut Lake
#
%
1
5.5
18
4
22.2
6
33.3
3
16.7
1
5.5
1
5.5
0
0
0.0
0.0
0
0.0
2
11.1
0
0.0
0
0
0.0
0.0
0
0
0
0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
100%
49
Business Operations: Overall, the responses are from long-term (20+ years) fulltime operations together employing 192 persons, with 67% being full-time
employees.
a. Number of operational years for responding businesses: Long-term orientation
RANGE
1 year or less
2-5 years
6-10 years
11-20 years
More than 20 years
No Response
TOTAL
Conneaut Lake
#
%
1
5.5
1
5.5
1
5.5
3
16.7
11
61.1
1
5.5
18
100%
b. Business a full-time or part-time operation: Full-time orientation
TYPE
Full Time
Part-time
No Response
TOTAL
Conneaut Lake
#
%
17
94.4
0
6.4
1
5.5
47
100%
c. Number of people employed in businesses: Part-time profile in keeping with
seasonal business orientation
TYPE
Full Time employees
Part-time employees
TOTAL
Conneaut Lake
#
%
64
33.3
128
66.7
192
100%
d. Business hours varied greatly among the respondents. The “typical business
day” is difficult to generalize, due to the special needs and markets of the
businesses. As an illustration, nearly as many businesses open before 8:00 AM
as those who open at 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM. While one-third close at 5:00 PM,
nearly 40% close at 8:00 PM or later. The later closing is likely anticipated due to
the need to serve the visiting public, perhaps differing Conneaut Lake from some
other comparably sized Route 6 communities not as associated with visitors and
seasonal residents. Nearly all (16) of the responding businesses note Saturday
hours and two-thirds list Sunday hours as well, again differing the community
from other Route 6 communities.
50
Perceived Busy Days/Seasons:
a. Most designate Saturdays as the “busiest day”
DAY
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
No Difference
No Answer
Conneaut Lake
#
%
2
11.1
0
0.0
0
0.0
0
0.0
2
11.1
10
55.6
1
5.5
2
11.1
1
5.5
b. Summer is busiest for businesses few see no differences among seasons {i.e.
13% of responding businesses); Multiple Answers allowed given some seasons
“tie” for certain businesses; % reflect percent of total responses
SEASON
Summer (Memorial Day to Labor Day)
Autumn (September through November)
Christmas Season (Thanksgiving through
New Years Day)
Winter (January through March)
Spring (April through May)
Other
None; all seasons are generally the same
Conneaut Lake
#
%
13
56.5
2
8.7
1
4.3
0
1
3
3
0.0
4.3
13.0
13.0
Ownership: Local orientation within community and County, with several owners
residing in Erie or Mercer Counties
LOCATION
A year-round resident of the respective
local community
A part-time resident of the respective local
community
A year-round resident of another Crawford
County Community
A part-time resident of another Crawford
County Community
A part-time resident of an adjacent County
Other; none of the above applies
No Answer
TOTAL
Conneaut Lake
#
%
12
66.7
0
0.0
0
0.0
0
0
3
1
2
18
16.7
5.5
11.1
100%
51
Route 6 Location: The relative importance of US Route 6 for business at the
present time is evident in that 72% rate it as either very or somewhat important.
IMPORTANCE
Very Important
Somewhat Important
Minimally Important
Not Important
Other
No Answer
TOTAL
Sales and Trends:
communities
Conneaut Lake
#
%
8
44.4
5
27.8
1
5.5
1
5.5
1
5.5
2
11.1
18
Overall positive characteristics and trends among the
a. The estimate of business’ annual gross sales or revenues volume suggests a
majority of businesses reporting sales/revenues earning in excess of $100,000
and especially those with a high volume (+$250,000) of business
RANGE
Under $25,000 per year
$25,000 - $50,000 per year
$50,001 - $100,000 per year
$100,001 - $250,000 per year
Over $250,000 per year
No Answer
TOTAL
Conneaut Lake
#
%
0
0.0
2
11.1
3
16.7
2
11.1
7
38.9
4
22.2
18
100%
b. Sales/revenue volume trend in the prior 12 months is stable, perhaps reflecting
recessionary impacts in the larger economy, with 50% experiencing stability and
22% having decreases.
TREND
Increased
Decreased
Stayed about the Same
No Answer
TOTAL
Conneaut Lake
#
%
2
11.1
4
22.2
9
50.0
3
16.7
18
100%
52
Customer Base/Characteristics
a. There is somewhat of a variation in the “typical” daily customer/client base,
with 22% having 25 or fewer but half having more than 100 customers/clients per
day.
Conneaut Lake
RANGE - # of customers/clients per day
#
Under 5
5-10
11-25
26-50
51-75
76-100
101-200
Over 200
Clients/Customers do not come to business
No response
TOTAL
RANGE – estimated customer base
91 – 100%
81 – 90%
71 – 80%
61 – 70%
51 – 60%
41 – 50%
31 – 40%
21 – 30%
10 - 20%
Under 10%
No Answer
TOTAL
0
1
3
1
0
2
3
6
0
2
18
“Local”
#
%
1
5.5
3
16.7
2
11.1
0
0.0
0
0.0
4
22.2
3
16.7
1
5.5
0
0.0
1
5.5
3
16.7
18 100%
%
0.0
5.5
16.7
5.5
0.0
11.1
16.7
33.3
0.0
11.1
100%
“Regular”
#
%
0
0.0
0
0.0
0
0.0
0
0.0
2
11.1
5
27.8
2
11.1
2
11.1
3
16.7
1
5.5
3
16.7
18 100%
“Casual”
#
%
0
0.0
0
0.0
0
0.0
0
0.0
0
0.0
0
0.0
2
11,1
1
5.5
2
11.1
6
33.3
7
38.9
18 100%
b. Percentage of customer/client base that is comprised of “local” residents (i.e.
people who live in and around Conneaut Lake): There is a variation among the
respondents although few appear to be overwhelmingly dependent on local
residents only. Half of those offering a response suggest that locals account for
30%-50% of their customer base, comparatively a somewhat low percentage.
c. Percentage of customer/client base that is comprised of “regular” visitors and
tourists (i.e. visiting local families, hunters/fishermen, seasonal residents, etc.
who you may be seen a number of times over the years): The “regular” visitors
appear to be important to a substantial number of businesses (i.e. 60% of those
offering a response) accounting for 30%-60% of their customer base.
53
d. Percentage of customer/client base that is comprised of “casual” visitors and
tourists (i.e. people “passing through” who you see only once): These visitors
appear to comprise relatively low percentages of the customer base among the
businesses, with 60% of those offering a response suggesting they account for
under 10% of their base.
e. Overall summary: Moderate dependence on local residents and the regular
visitors with a low dependence on the casual visitors..
Tourism and Business in General:
a. Clearly the businesses have sustained less than positive trends in tourism
traffic with over 60% noting a decline and another 22% seeing no change in
recent years.
TYPE
Tourist traffic has increased
Tourist traffic has decreased
No change in tourist traffic
No tourist traffic in this business
No Answer
TOTAL
Conneaut
Lake
#
%
1
5.5
11
61.1
4
22.2
1
5.5
1
5.5
18
100%
b. Identification of the following factors that describe present business planning:
Planned expansions are more in the way of expanding the offering of goods and
services (22%) than physical expansions. Relatively few closing or selling and
just over 44% not considering any changes presently.
CURRENT PLANNING
Considering a physical expansion of my business’ physical plant
Considering expanding my offering of goods or services
Considering hiring new employees
Considering selling or closing my business
Not considering any changes at the present time
No response
Conneaut Lake
#
%
1
5.5
4
22.2
3
16.7
2
11.1
8
44.4
0
0.0
54
Future Enhancements: Respondents were asked to identify no more than the
three (3) top improvements they think would improve the community as a
business or tourism destination. Multiple responses were encouraged with
percentages reflecting percent of the total respondents favoring each type of
improvement.
a. Results suggest a mix of structural and non-structural improvements. The
most popular improvements that are seen as enhancing the community as a
business or tourist destination are:
• 44% of the respondents identified seeing new types of businesses among
the top improvements;
• 39% of the respondents identified having more events and festivals
among the top improvements;
• 33% of the respondents identified seeing streetscape enhancements
among the top improvements; and
• 33% of the respondents identified storefront/façade improvements among
the top improvements.
TYPE
Storefront/façade improvements
Improved property maintenance
Streetscape (i.e. benches, landscaping)
Improved street maintenance
Streamlining ordinances/regulations
New types of businesses
Coordinated advertising/promotion
More events and festivals
Better signage to businesses/destinations
A local visitors information center
Rehabilitating and maintaining the large older homes
Hospitality training for business employees
Additional Tourist destinations/activities
Other
- Sidewalks to Station 3
- Reestablishing cooperative marketing
- Cooperation with Linesville
Conneaut Lake
#
%
6
33.3
1
5.5
6
33.3
0
0.0
2
11.1
8
44.4
3
16.7
7
38.9
1
5.5
4
22.2
0
0.0
0
0.0
4
22.2
3
16.7
55
b. New business development is a popular enhancement as noted above. The
following types of new businesses were noted as being needed and could be
sustained in the community (NOTE: due to multiple answers; percentages reflect
the total respondents for each type of business): There is a small specialty retail
orientation prevalent among respondents, with notable need for recreation and
entertainment service establishments and appreciable interest in additional
eating/drinking establishments and larger retailers.
TYPE
Eating and drinking establishments
Larger retail stores (i.e. appliance, auto, etc)
Smaller specialty stores (i.e. antique, gifts, crafts, etc.
Professional services
Personal services
Convenience stores
Recreation and entertainment services
Other
Conneaut
Lake
#
%
5
28.0
5
28.0
12
66.7
1
5.5
2
11.1
1
5.5
7
38.9
3
16.7
56
Physical and Non-Physical Conditions
This subsection provides an overview of various physical characteristics, facilities
and services available in the three communities, with attention emphasized on
those most affecting the traveling public. The source of the information is the
Central Crawford Region Multi-Municipal Comprehensive Plan (2007),
PAMunicipalities.com and input.
Public Safety Services
The following summarizes local services in and around Conneaut Lake:

Fire Protection – Fire protection is offered by the Conneaut Lake Volunteer Fire
Department (3 stations) and the Summit Township Volunteer Fire Department
(Harmonsburg)
Police Service – Sadsbury Township and Conneaut Lake Borough have a joint
municipal police department while Summit Township is served by the Pennsylvania
State Police
Educational/Cultural

The Margaret Shontz Memorial Library is located in Conneaut Lake Borough and is a
member of the Crawford County Federated Library System, a federated system of
nine libraries. The collection of the library contains 14,755 volumes. The library
circulates 17,058 items per year.
The Conneaut School District serves the area, having an elementary and a high
school in Conneaut Lake, as well as additional schools in Linesville and
Conneautville.
Sewer Services

Conneaut Lake Borough – The Borough has an older collection system with
suspected Inflow/Infiltration issues. It is managed by the Municipal Authority of the
Borough of Conneaut Lake. The collection system has episodic overflows and has
working on a corrective action plan. Treatment is provided at the Conneaut Lake
Joint Municipal Authority.
Sadsbury Township – The Conneaut Lake Joint Municipal Authority offers service
and treatment.
Summit Township – The Conneaut Lake Joint Municipal Authority offers service and
treatment.
Water Systems

Conneaut Lake Borough – The Conneaut Lake Borough Municipal Authority serves
the Borough. In 2004, the water system underwent a $2 million upgrade.
Sadsbury and Summit Townships – The Townships have three water systems
servicing developed areas: Lakeside Water Company, Aqua Pennsylvania, Inc., and
the Conneaut Lake Park Water System. The Conneaut Lake Park system reported
water quality issues in the past.
57
Transportation System
There are a number of highways in the Conneaut Lake Borough and the
surrounding area, with the Borough being the juncture of a number of US and PA
routes. The major roads are narratively described and all are described on Table
12 in terms of traffic volumes by segment in terms of Annual Average Daily
Traffic (AADT), with volumes graphically depicted on page 61.
Pennsylvania U.S. Route 6
Route 6 is a major highway and the segment with US Route 322, carries the
highest traffic volumes as noted on Table 12. Rt. 6 traffic volume west of
Conneaut Lake Borough is relatively light (2,176), increasing at the intersections
with Routes 618 and 285 both in and around the western side of the Borough
and especially at the intersection with Rt. 322 PA Rt. 18. As total traffic volume
increases west to east, truck traffic does as well growing from just under 300
trucks to nearly 800 per day in the Borough Business District. Traffic volume is
roughly stable east of the Borough totaling nearly 12,000 vehicles per day. For a
frame of reference, the absolute highest AADT’s on Route 6 statewide are
nearby in and around I-79 near Meadville and in and around I-81 in the Scranton
area.
The Central Crawford Region Multi-Municipal Comprehensive Plan (2007)
characterizes Routes 6/322 as the Conneaut Corridor as a Non-Residential
Growth Area. In fact, this corridor sustains numerous small and big-box retail
establishments in the Greater Meadville Area, and directly access Interstate 79, a
major regional highway in Western Pennsylvania connecting Erie (and I-90) to
the north with the Pittsburgh Metropolitan Area (and I-80, I-376 and 70) to the
south. Property access management may be an issue on Route 6 especially in
the defined Growth Area.
US Route 322
Route 322 is an east/west principal arterial linking Conneaut Lake with Ohio and
points west and I-79, Meadville and points east. Route 322 follows a
southeasterly track through western and central Pennsylvania eventually
accessing Franklin, Clarion, I-80, Brookville and ultimately State College. Traffic
volumes are moderate (3,800) southeast of the Borough but climb to 12,000
vehicles in the Borough and eastward, reflecting through traffic on the merging
routes as well as local traffic to/from the Borough.
58
TABLE 12
Major Highway Profile/Traffic Volumes
Route
Segment
Sadsbury
Township
Sadsbury &
Conneaut
Lake
Conneaut
Lake Boro
West of Borough
Conneaut
Lake Boro
Sadsbury
Township
Water Street
Eastbound
Westbound
5,282
5,796
Eastbound
Westbound
6,298
5,456
US Rt.
322 & PA
Rt. 18
Sadsbury &
Vernon
Townships
Sadsbury &
E. Fallowfield
Townships
Southwest of Borough
with Rt. 6 at
3,752 Intersects
th
7%
Eastern shore road
around Lake
3,092 North of Rts. 6/322
2%
PA Rt. 18
Sadsbury &
Summit
Townships
Summit
Township
North of Lake
3,133 North of intersection
9%
Sadsbury &
Summit
Townships
Sadsbury &
E. Fallowfield
Townships
E. Fallowfield
Township
E. Fallowfield
Township
Eastern shore road
around Lake
1,493 North of Rt. 6
2%
Southeast of Borough
1,639 Continuation ofrd separate
23%
664 From fork with Rt. 285
19%
247
17%
Summit
Township
West of PA 618 & CLP
428
US Rt. 6
US Rt. 6
& PA Rt.
285
US Rts. 6
& 322
and PA
Rt 18
US Rts. 6
& 322
PA Rt
618
PA Rt
285 East
SR 3019
SR 3015
SR 3014
AADT
Comments
Truck
Volume
Location
2,176 West of Rt. 618
13%
Intersection
Between Rt. 618 & Rt.
285 west intersections
Western edge of
Borough
4,674
Water Street (also
includes US Rt. 322 &
PA 18 east of 4th St.)
edge
8,122 Between western
rd
6%
4%
of Boro & 3 Street
rd
11,378 Between 3 Street &
7%
eastern Boro line
Water Street &
Conneaut Lake Rd
Boro Line – Rt. 18 Int.
East of Rt. 18
intersection toward
Meadville/I-79
9%
6%
4%
6%
4 Street
intersection
with Rt. 618
intersection to Rt. 18;
access for CLP
Rt. 285 from 3 St. in
Borough
East
From intersection with
SR 3019
Intersects with PA 618
near CLP
7%
Source: PennDOT, (counts from 2006-09)
NOTE: AADT= Annual Average Daily Traffic
59
PA Route 18
Portions of north/south Route 18 separate from Route 322 are a minor arterial,
linking the Borough with Sharon, I-80 and ultimately the Pittsburgh Metropolitan
Area to the south and I-90 in and around the Greater Erie area to the north.
Locally, Route 18 is critical skirting the eastern shore of Conneaut Lake in a
commercial and seasonal residential area carrying 3,100 vehicles daily with
relatively few being trucks.
PA Route 618
Route 618 is classified as a rural major collector essentially forming the western
portion of a highway loop around Conneaut Lake, with Routes 6 and 18. Traffic
volume is relatively light (1,500) with its major function as access to/from
Conneaut Lake Park, as well as some supportive commercial (eating/drinking
establishments, motels, etc.) and residential development.
Bicycle/Hiking Trails
Throughout much of the northern tier of Pennsylvania, US Route 6 is Bicycle
Route Y, one of six long-distance bicycle touring routes. However, this is not the
case in the Conneaut Lake area. Bicycle Route Y follows PA Route 285
eastward at the Ohio border across the Pymatuning causeway through Espyville
to SR 3005 then SR 3011 to Linesville. From Linesville it follows Route 6 for a
short distance to SR 3016 (Harmondsburg Rd) westward to the Meadville area
where it joins with PA Route 107 then Route 6 in Meadville. Bicycle Route Y
skirts Conneaut Lake to the north, although PA Routes 285, 618 and 18 provide
possible connections to the community and lake. Bicycle Route Y is a major eastwest route in northern Pennsylvania, and intersects with Bicycle Route A, a major
north-south route (follows PA Route 98) just west of I-79 and Meadville. Other
trails within this section of the County include the Ernst Trail (existing and
proposed segments), trails in Pymatuning State Park and Hiking and biking trails
in Maurice K. Goddard State Park to the southeast.
60
PA
01
8
SR 3
014
SUMMIT TOWNSHIP
!
Conneaut Lake Park
Lynces Junction
!
PA 618
SADSBURY TOWNSHIP
6
mp013
X
6
mp014
X
PA 285
!
Conneaut Lake
mp016
X
mp015
X
2
32
S
U
VERNON TOWNSHIP
SR 3013
PA
Stony Point
!
28
5
Average Daily Volume
SR
10,000 plus
19
30
EAST FALLOWFIELD TOWNSHIP
7,500 - 10,000
2,500 - 7,500
1,000 - 2,500
5
301
SR
6
Less than 1,000
0
0.5
1
2
Miles
Conneaut Lake Region
Traffic Volume Map
Transportation Issues
The Central Crawford Regional Multi-Municipal Comprehensive Plan delineates a
number of suggested transportation issues or recommendations in and around
Conneaut Lake:

Amend Borough’s Zoning Ordinance to restrict driveway widths in the
commercial areas;
Install/paint crosswalks in the downtown area;
Monitor performance of the traffic signals; and
Upgrade sidewalks in the downtown.
There was considerable discussion within the extensive public participation
process over the congestion and traffic speed along the Route 6 Corridor in
downtown Conneaut Lake. This directly relates to traffic and pedestrian safety,
and indirectly affects downtown as a part of a tourism destination. There is
widespread public belief that the traffic signal timing appears to have as its goal
the movement of regional traffic as quickly as possible through the downtown
business district. This may serve regional through-traffic needs but works at
cross-purpose to encourage pedestrian tourism destination traffic in town.
The Northwest Transportation Improvement Program (FFY 2009 and FFY 2011
Draft) identifies a bridge replacement on Route 6 over Conneaut Lake Outlet
(FFY 2012-13) and a bridge rehabilitation on Rt. 285 over Adsit Run in
Sadsbury/East Fallowfield Townships (FFY2013) as the major local programmed
highway improvements in the immediate area.
62
Community Visual Conditions and Design Analysis
Crawford County contains a mix of rural and urbanized areas, with farmlands and
surface waters as well interspersed boroughs and the City of Meadville. Lakes
and surrounding flatlands are notable unique physiographic features especially in
western and westcentral Crawford County, making this region atypical of the
physiography otherwise along the US Route Corridor in Pennsylvania.
Pymatuning Reservoir and Conneaut Lake are prime examples of this unique
physiography. Pymatuning State Park and several State Gamelands (#213 and
#214) are prime nature tourism
resources. Overall, visual conditions in
the gateways are generally good,
although there are instances of blight
and unused properties. Clearly, the
recent development of Ice House Park
(pictured to the left) at the southern end
of Conneaut Lake and a major gateway
to the community is seen as both a
positive development and a good
gateway greeting area.
Downtown Business District
Conneaut Lake has a fairly vibrant
Central Business District centered on
Water Street (US Rts 6/322), similar to
other pedestrian oriented districts among
comparable Route 6 communities. There
are a range of business establishments
including several eating establishments,
two banks, an “old fashioned” hardware
store,
various
personal
service
establishments and just a few specialty
retail shops. The Business District had
minimal streetscape enhancements at the time of field work in 2009, although an
ambitious streetscape project was being planned (i.e. period lighting, many new
sidewalks, electric line relocation, restored facades, crosswalks and
landscaping). In addition, field work identified the following:
63
Storefronts: Windshield surveys of exteriors
suggest approximately fourteen (14) storefronts in
need
of
enhancements,
ranging
from
maintenance and minor rehabilitation to major
rehabilitation.
During field work there are some key
vacancies in the business district
including a vacant storefront at the
Water/1st Streets intersection, several
vacant parcels on South 4th Street and
vacant commercial buildings on the key
intersection of Water and 4th Streets.
Minimal on-street parking on Water Street
(i.e. no parking except for a few spaces
eastbound between 2nd and 3rd Streets
and no parking between 3rd and 4th
Streets) and no designation of spaces
between 1st and 2nd Streets where parking
is permitted. There are three private or
reserved off-street lots in the block bound
by Water, High, 1st and 2nd Streets (see
below).
64
During the Planning Charrette, the parking issue was discussed at length.
Concurrent field views identified the following specific conditions:
Off-Street
Location
Surface/ Site Conditions
1st Street
(west side
Unpaved – gravel & old
concrete
Demolition site
Bordered by yellow posts/chain
Unpaved – gravel
Demolition site
CLVFD likely owner
Unpaved – gravel
Demolition site
Hardware likely owner
1st Street
(east side)
High & 2nd St
Signage
No directional signage
1 on-site sign “Parking for
CLVFD & Ice House Park”
Estimated
# spaces
15
No directional or on-site
28
No directional or on-site
27
Total Estimated Spaces
70
On-Street
Block between
Permitted
1st & 2nd
Both sides
2nd & 3rd
North Side & 1/3 of South side
3rd & 4th
Not Permitted
Comments
Poorly defined – no spaces or
meters
Poorly defined – no spaces or
meters; No parking areas signed
No parking areas signed
Perhaps one of the more
unique “businesses” is not
really a business at all but
Station #3 of the Conneaut
Lake Volunteer Fire Company
actually located just across the
Sadsbury Township line but
walkable from the downtown
business district. Station #3
houses fire equipment and
associated facilities as well as
a community room and an upstairs dining room that serves legal beverages to
members. This latter consideration coupled with the fact that the Borough is
legally “dry” as well as the popular 50/50 drawings draws social members from a
wide area.
65
Highway Oriented Business Areas
Larger and more vehicle-dependent
commercial areas are located on Routes
18 and 618 that ring the Lake. The
earlier
Inventory
of
Businesses
subsection profiles these areas, but
generally includes an assortment of
retail and service establishments,
professional offices, accommodations
(Route
618/western
shore)
and
eating/drinking establishments. These
areas are characterized as having more of a “highway commercial” than
“pedestrian scale” feel to them, with off-street parking in front or at the side of
businesses, multiple driveways and highway-oriented/scale signage.
Gateways
The major gateways into the community from the east and west on Route 6 have
minimal welcoming signage and the directional signage on the eastern edge at
the junction of Routes 6/322 and 18 and the western edge (Routes 6/322 and
618) directs Conneaut Lake Park traffic away from the Downtown Business
District.
66
Visitor Readiness
During the preparation of the Pennsylvania Route 6 Tourism Infrastructure Plan
(PA Rt. 6 Heritage Corporation; 2008), Conneaut Lake was one of the
communities identified to undergo a visitor readiness study that was carried out
by the Pennsylvania Downtown Center staff. A summary of findings related to
the Downtown Business District follows:
Appearance:
Sidewalks appear somewhat dirty and dusty
Some sidewalks appear safe but some are in need of repair
Visible welcome sign
Visible wayfinding signage inside town, outside of town and to most tourist
destinations
Public Space:
Visible public spaces/parks
Visible benches
No visible public restrooms
No visible public phones
Visible public area to have a picnic
Visible public area to walk a dog
Some sidewalks are well-maintained throughout the business district, some
areas are in need of repair
Well-marked crosswalks; pedestrian signals
Reasonable posted speed limit
Well-marked bicycle routes; questionably wide shoulders for a bicycle in some
areas
No visible bicycle racks
Well-marked, visible street signs
No additional street lighting
Easy to find parking: free parking; easily accessible
Visible parking for tour buses or RV’s may be available on side streets or at
Conneaut Cellars Winery
Visitor Impression: When visitors enter the
Conneaut Lake area from Route 6 to the
west, they are welcomed with a residential
area and from the east a marina for the
lake. There are beautification measures in
evidence but it appears to be a constant
battle to keep the business district clean,
largely due to the constant truck traffic.
Automobile and truck traffic is heavy but
there is interest in making it better for
pedestrians.
67
Signage
There are examples of good, acceptable and
inappropriate signage among businesses in Conneaut
Lake Borough and the Townships of Sadsbury and
Summit. While signage is an intensely personal matter
to most businesses they have a role in the overall visual
attractiveness of the business district and the general
shopping experience, factors which should temper the
“individual” concept. Several key factors should be kept in mind when discussing
signage.

Past studies and theory has shown that on-site
signage is the most cost-effective means of
advertising, costing as low as $0.06 per thousand
readers (and potential customers), when
compared to other media;

Especially within pedestrian-oriented business
districts, perpendicular or projecting signage (i.e.
projecting signs over a sidewalk) attract both
vehicular and pedestrian traffic, while front wall
signage is more difficult to see by both;

Signage should promote the product or experience
offered rather than just the name of the establishment or
organization, for maximum curb appeal. In other words,
signage should answer the question “why stop” and
must do it in approximately four seconds to attract
motorists. Obviously, pedestrians have a longer time to
study signage; and

Attractive, informative and professionally done
signage says something about a business, as
does hand written, uninformative, temporary
and/or unattractive signage.
68
Many communities have separate signage regulations apart from
zoning, while others address them in zoning. There are arguments
on both sides, but many communities like the enforcement flexibility
offered by a freestanding ordinance. In the case of the Crawford
County heritage communities, all three communities have zoning,
with revisions in process during 2009-10 in Sadsbury and Conneaut
Lake Borough. Sign regulations are included in the proposed Summit
Township, the existing Summit Township ordinance and the existing
and proposed Borough Zoning ordinances. Sign regulations, whether in a zoning
or other ordinance, generally addresses the following:

Type of signage permitted: wall, perpendicular, free standing, awning,
window, etc.;
Number of signs permitted and/or maximum square footage of signs, often
related to building or lot frontage;
Location of signs – on buildings, setbacks, etc.; and
Special requirements and limitations – flashing, neon, sandwich boards, etc.
The existing Borough Zoning Ordinance has signage requirements for all zoning
districts and requirements for the two (2) commercial districts, including:
A one-to-one relationship between total signage area square feet and lineal
feet of building frontage (no upper limit listed);
Projecting signage extending no more than four (4) feet;
Limitations on off-premises signage to businesses not on a State Route; and
A pole sign for shopping centers up to 80 square feet.
The proposed Borough Zoning Ordinance includes more detailed signage
requirements in the commercial Districts than the existing ordinance, the most
significant requirements being:
A limitation of one (1) sign per frontage, with maximum sizes reflecting
density of each commercial district;
Performance standards for signs including construction and maintenance
standards;
Limitations on certain types of flashing/intermittently illuminated electronic
lighted signs, requiring a Conditional Use;
Performance standards (maximum foot candles) for illuminated signage in
commercial districts;
Allowance of temporary sandwich board signs and criteria;
Projecting signage extending no more than six (6) feet;
Standards for awning and canopy signs; and
Prohibition of off-premises signs (i.e. billboards) within 660 feet of the nearest
edge of the right-of-way of Route 6 (identified as a Scenic Byway).
69
Summit Township signage requirements are less detailed than those of the
Borough. Major components include:
Signage in the Conservation District (abutting Route 618 on the west) not
mentioned, permitted or prohibited;
Signage in the Business District (i.e. Rt. 618 near CLP and abutting Rt. 18
near junction with Rt. 618) allows businesses to choose only one of the
following various signage types:
o Projecting signs (up to 20 sf projecting no more than 6 feet from
building)
o Ground signage (up to 45 sf per activity to a total of 100 sf)
o Freestanding signs (up to 45 sf)
o Wall signs (up to 25% of surface wall area)
o Awnings (projecting up to 6 feet)
Billboards are permitted in the Business and Agricultural District except along
Route 618 (identified as a Scenic Byway).
At the time of the field work, a major revision to the Sadsbury Zoning Ordinance
was underway and expected to last through 2010. Given the review draft nature
of the Ordinance, copies were not made available.
Comparative Zoning
Conneaut Lake itself is within three
municipalities. Most of the Lake is bordered
by Sadsbury Township, although the
northern reach and Conneaut Lake Park is
within Summit Township. A relatively small
portion of the Lake touches the northeastern
edge of Conneaut Lake, adjacent to the
Borough business district.
The three
communities
have
separate
zoning
ordinances in effect. Since the Lake is in fact the unique tourism resource of the
area, this ordinance review emphasizes the interface between each ordinance
and the Lake, the Borough business district and the loop formed by Routes 18,
618 and 6. A brief review of existing and/or proposed zoning regulations
affecting land use will be followed by a regional existing/future land use
perspective.
Sadsbury Township
During field work in November 2009, Township officials noted that the Zoning
Ordinance was being revised by the Township Planning Commission and it was
envisioned to be completed within 6-12 months. Since nothing is official and
everything is essentially subject to change, no proposed ordinance is available to
review. This timeframe makes it difficult to review details since many still had to
be worked out, and renders a review of the existing ordinance meaningless.
70
Thus, this review will focus more on land use issues as they affect development
associated with the Lake and Route 6 itself.
Overview
The fourteen (14) Zoning Districts in the current ordinance are expected to be
merged into approximately seven (7) in the final revision. Overall, the proposed
ordinance is intended to simplify and consolidate land use regulations in general.
The present proposed districts are as follows:

RDC Rural Development Corridor - includes linear areas abutting Rt. 322
south of the Borough and Routes 6 and 285 in the western section of the
Township)
TC Transition Corridors (Commercial/Residential/mixed uses) – includes
linear areas abutting Route 6 abutting and east and west of the Borough,
Route 285 abutting the Borough, Route 618 on the western side of the Lake
and Route 18 on the eastern side
CC Commercial Corridor – includes a large area on both sides of Routes
6/322 east of the Borough
I Industrial – includes area in and around quarry just south of Routes 6/322,
areas along Route 322 south of the Borough and an area along Route 618
R-1 Lake Area Residential – includes built up seasonal/year-round residential
areas on eastern and western shores of the Lake
SR Suburban Residential – includes residential areas mostly to the east of
Route 18 on the eastern shore
AC Agricultural Conservation – includes most of the land area of the
Township, comprising much of the central western and southern sections of
the Township not in the above classifications
Again, the above reflects planning in process in late-2009 subject to change and
refinement. Signage regulations, scenic byway matters and the conservation
subdivision alternative for development are expected to be included in the final
ordinance.
Comments
The concepts of consolidation and simplification, developmental “corridors” and
agricultural/conservation in localized zoning and land use planning have a great
deal of relevance and appear to continue certain development patterns.
Regional and county planning targets the Route 6/322 corridor between
Conneaut Lake and Meadville as a development corridor, which is reflected in
the proposed zoning.
The idea of mixed commercial and residential development along Routes 18 and
618 and sections of Routes 6 and 285 abutting the western side of the Borough
at first may appear to be too “linear” in terms of “smart growth” concepts, but
71
does seem to reflect developmental pressures and patterns and serves as a
“growth area” that focuses development on areas having the appropriate location
and infrastructure and away from more pristine and agricultural areas of the
Township. Mixed use areas (residential and commercial) require a careful
balancing of use (I.e. types of business, residential types, etc.) and dimensional
requirements (i.e. minimum lot sizes, setbacks, etc.). Given the lack of available
information on the revised ordinance these critical requirements are not known
but the need for careful balancing is noted in the interest of local land use
planning.
Conneaut Lake Borough
The Borough was also involved in a zoning revision during the course of field
work, although a copy of a proposed ordinance (dated December 2009) was
made available. Both divide the Borough into four (4) districts, those being
Single-Family Residential, General Residential, Commercial Business District
and General Commercial. The two “general” districts are similar with the
respective “mate” except the general districts allow great density and intensity of
the respective residential or commercial uses. There have been some minor
changes in uses and dimensional requirements when comparing the ordinances
as well as the updating of terms (i.e. “Bed and Breakfast” rather than a “Tourist
Home”, etc.). However, the Single-Family Residential retains that orientation and
the Commercial Business District has a largely pedestrian orientation, although
some highway commercial uses are possible as permitted uses (i.e. drivethrough restaurants) or as conditional uses (i.e. convenience stores and motels)
that require Borough Council approval. Signage regulations are more detailed in
the proposed than existing ordinance while supplementary regulations appear to
be less so.
Comments
The ordinances appear to provide for appropriate and reasonable uses and
dimensional requirements for the Borough, consistent with the Heritage
Community concept, with perhaps the exception of the potential intrusion of
“highway commercial” uses in the pedestrian downtown. Greater detail to
signage in the proposed ordinance is a good indication of recognition of the need
to balance aesthetics and economics, and restrictions on billboards along Route
6 shows local recognition of the highway’s tourism potential. While this brief
summary is focused towards zoning/land use in reference to the Pennsylvania
Route 6 Heritage Community concept and not a critique of all aspects and
processes outlined in the proposed ordinance, it is worth noting that the
proposed ordinance provided the process for “special exceptions” (i.e. approved
by Zoning Hearing Board) but did not specify any uses in this category. Special
exception uses such as Home Occupations are conditional uses (Borough
Council review/approval) in the draft of the proposed ordinance reviewed.
72
Summit Township
The Township ordinance is important not so much for impacts on Route 6 but
due to its influence on land use in and around Conneaut Lake Park. The
Township is divided among four (4) zoning districts, the Business, Conservation,
Single-Family Residential and Agricultural, with the latter comprising nearly 80%
of the Township land area. The area of interest abutting the Lake, the Park and
Routes 18 and 618 are in the other three districts.

The Park and immediate area on either side of Rt. 618 is zoned in the
Business District as is an area just north of roughly between the Rts.
18/618 intersection and Faust (TR 452). This district appears to
accommodate most types of commercial, recreational and amusement
reasonably expected to locate there.
Adjacent residential and open space areas in and around the lake and
Business District are zoned for Single-Family Residential.
A swath abutting and west of Route 618 is zoned as Conservation
although several commercial establishments are located in this area as
well as a golf course. There are few permitted uses but a golf course is
one of them. There are no provisions for commercial as permitted,
conditional or special exception uses.
The ordinance provides for a number of supplementary regulations regulating
everything from adult entertainment and mobile home parks to off-street parking
and communication towers.
Comments
Areas along Routes 618 and 18 are of interest in Heritage Communities
planning, given the importance of these roads in proposed “loop tours” and as
access to the Park and Lake. As noted earlier, the sign regulations require
businesses to choose among various types of signs, which may pose some
constraints on highway businesses attempting to capture passersby. These
regulations also restrict billboards along Rt. 618 that enhances the visual quality
of this route. While not being detailed these regulations give some guidance to
signage.
Overview
The Generalized Zoning/Future Land Use Map on the following page graphically
depicts the generalized land uses planned by the three respective municipalities.
Given the scope and focus of this planning effort, exact district boundaries are
not provided. Rather, the permitted uses are shown for the general areas of
interest.
73
SR 3
0
A
14
Cn R
SUMMIT TOWNSHIP
R
R C
A
Meadville Junction
A
C
R
A
R
Conneaut Lake Park
PA
M
8
M
R
Cn
Conneaut Lake
Lynces Junction
A
S
6
mp013
R
PA 618
S - Lake Area Residential
R - Single Family Residential
C - Commercial
I - Industrial
M - Mixed Commercial/Residential
mp012
Cn - Conservation
A - Agricultural
01
M
S
M Cn
S
SADSBURY TOWNSHIP
PA 285
mp014
M
R
2
32
S
U
0
0.5
M
A
1
mp016
6
mp015
Conneaut Lake
C C
PA 285
A
VERNON TOWNSHIP
Cn
C
I
West Vernon
Cn
A
2
Miles
Generalized Zoning/Future Land Use
Rt 6 Corridor HCP

Future Zoning: Perhaps the most noteworthy trend is the mixed
commercial/residential land use designation along Routes 18 and 618 in
Sadsbury. This type of use would be complementary to the “loop tour”
concepts discussed later. There is only so much seasonal residential land
available and Sadsbury includes some undeveloped areas on the western
shore. The conservation of the area in and around the Conneaut Lake Outlet
and marshy land to the south is facilitated in the inclusion in the Conservation
District designation. Land near the critical Rts. 6/18 intersection on the
western gateway is zoned for commercial uses, a reasonable concept given
location and the interest in the Rt. 6/322 Developmental Corridor between
Conneaut Lake and Meadville. In Summit Township the classification of all of
the marshy land south of the Rts. 618/18 intersection as Single-Family
Residential may be worth revisiting as would be the provision for commercial
zoning in a segment of the present Conservation District just southwest of this
same intersection west of Route 618. Overall, relatively large tracts of land in
both townships away from the lake remain in districts amenable to agriculture.

Comparisons with Existing Uses: Much of the land on the western shore in
Sadsbury identified for mixed commercial/residential is presently vacant as is
the western gateway to the Borough in and around the intersection of Rts.
6/285. The capacity of the ‘triangle” in Summit Township, just south of the
Rts. 618/18 intersection, to sustain residential development is worthy of local
land use planning attention, given the location, view, natural features and
limited seasonal/lakeside residential land available in general. Otherwise,
future zoning appears to reflect existing land use patterns and expectations.
Overall, there appears to be very limited space for the expansion of seasonal
residential homes given existing development and apparent natural
limitations.
It is understood that Sadsbury Township and Conneaut Lake Borough may enact
land use regulations that reflect the findings and recommendations of the Central
Crawford Region Multi-Municipal Plan. This is a laudable effort towards meeting
regional and local land use and developmental goals. Future land use and land
development planning in all three of the communities, especially the sections
abutting Conneaut Lake, should consider and reinforce the unique characteristics
and draw afforded by the Lake.
75
Information from various sources was gathered and reviewed, summaries of
which appear in the inventories. The interpretation, application and use of this
information is critical in this localized heritage tourism planning effort. This phase
starts with a review at public comments at various Community Workshops and a
planning charrette, then proceeds to the determination of issues and
opportunities.
First Workshop – The “Wish List”
Representatives from the community actively participated in a workshop
designed to solicit ideas on how to improve the communities as tourist
destinations. The Workshop was held in March 2009 and focused on (1) activities
available for residents and visitors presently and (2) to identify the types of
attractions, improvements and events that would enhance the area as a tourist
destination. The existing attractions and things valued about the Study Area
were reviewed earlier in this report while the following represents a summary of
popular destination needs that represent actual votes by attendees that address
the question “What is needed to make the Conneaut Lake a more attractive
destination?”
What is Needed: While there was a range of responses there was consensus on
just a few, reflecting voting. The following page summarizes all “wish list” items
while the following ones were the consensus favorites:

The then-anticipated reopening of Conneaut Lake Park

The planned and anticipated streetscape enhancements (Note: several
individual categories combined; and

New specialty retail stores (especially ice cream, bakery, arts, etc.)
76
Conneaut Lake Community Workshop Summary – Wish List to Enhance Area as Destination
Group 1
Proposed Improvement
“Market House” type of development
Reopening of CLP
Group 2
Votes Proposed Improvement
6 Reopening of CLP
Group 3
10 Reopening of CLP
Group 4
12 Planned streetscape enhancements
Votes
6
4 Planned streetscape enhancements
6 Reopening of CLP
5
Additional public parking
5 New specialty retail (i.e. ice cream,
apparel, artisans, etc.)
4 Adopt slogan “Nostalgic Progress”
4 Sidewalks and Tree/Flower plantings
3
Telling the “mammoth story”
4 Open-air flea market/produce
2 X-country/hiking/biking trails
5 New specialty retail (i.e. ice cream,
apparel, antique, bakery, etc.)
1 B&B’s
New specialty retail (i.e. ice cream,
bakery, jewelry, artisans, etc.)
Storefront/façade improvements
3 More regional cooperation
2 Others mentioned but garnered no votes
Casino/gaming
2
3 Putt-Putt golf
1 Wayfinding signage/kiosks/flags
Ferry service (downtown-Lake dockother)
Internet hot spots
Others mentioned but garnered no votes
1
More lodging
Others mentioned but garnered no
votes
Tennis Courts
Horse/Buggy ride around lake
Antique mall
Craft/Art Show
“Ghost Lake” (remembering famous
ghosts i.e. Elizabeth)
Wooden Boat Show
1 Youth Center
1 Additional public parking
Sidewalk maintenance ordinance
Canal era development
Fishing tournament
Snow sculpting tournament
2
1
Visitors Center
Bus Tour/Linkage
Town Dock
Ernst Trail Extension
Improvements to Fireman’s Beach &
Playground
77
Second Workshop – The Planning Charrette
A second set of Community Workshops was held in conjunction with a three-day
planning charrette during July 28th – 30th 2009 for the purpose of reviewing the
planning process and findings to date, interactive field work, key person/focus
group meetings and receive local input on preliminary recommendations. A total
of 58 people participated in the Charrette
Public Session #1 7/28/09
Presentation: Rt. 6 and HCP Overview; Tourism Primer, “Uniqueness”
description and localization, Connection of nodes, physical & non-physical
elements under consideration and potential markets
Public Input:
Conditions:
• Ice House Park has enhanced visual gateway; seen as a beginning and
can be furthered via streetscape
• Vacant commercial storefronts and properties in 4-block area; costs
sought by landowners noted as contributing factor
• Rt. 6/322 carries substantial truck traffic negatively affecting downtown;
not a factor on Rt. 18 contributing to business development there
• Proposed scenic byways in process and would help tourism
• Conneaut Lake has an entertainment/recreation role; it is a “happening
place”
• Accommodations are inadequate, noted as aging, dated fixtures, etc.;
does not address families, convention business, in-door facilities
• Competition between fire companies and private bars
• Fireman’s Beach purchased by Borough relayed to fire company for public
use
Needs:
• Dining variety, especially finer dining and outdoor dining
• Improved wireless availability
• Signage needed to direct tourists to attractions, activities and other nearby
towns/sites
• Brochure is needed on Conneaut Lake listing/mapping resources,
attractions, businesses, etc.
• Historic District reviewed for town and CLP with restrictions/tax credits –
question on tax credit applicability and leased property (much in CLP)
• Enhanced accommodations required but complicated by proximity to
Meadville; B&B’s seen as a potential
• Enhanced winter activities/marketing – snowmobiling, hunters, ice fishing
tourney
• Parking – minimal on-street with no signage (causes confusion by tourists)
and undefined & unpaved off-street lots with no signage
78
Historic Group Meeting and Museum Tour (7/29/09)
Planning Team toured facility and discussed various structural (video needs) and
non-structural (curatorial assistance issues) needs
Government Focus Group 7/29/09
Conditions:
o Extend 90-day season - frozen lake from January - April
o Build on the “Ice Road Truckers” popularity with Ice Races on
frozen lake
o Ice skating
o Wind surfing on ice
o Public Observation Building for watching ice fishing
• Fireman’s Beach - Recent controversy over DEP/DCNR Best
Management Practices approach that would have changed site uses (i.e.
more passive use near lake, revenue loss by borough, etc.)
Needs:
• More clear posting of parking – on and off-street – hours and marked
spaces on streets and better directional signage for off-street
• Compatible signage requirements across municipal lines (i.e. three
municipalities surround lake)
• Noise and traffic issues in borough
• FAM Tour – “know your neighbors”
Youth/Family Focus Group 7/29/09
Conditions:
• Perceived conflict between families/bikers and families/”party” image in
general
• Renewed use of CLP may have raised alcohol as an issue
• The 6 seasonal home associations have different rules/regulations for
beach/facilities use
• Iroquois Country Club, CLP and Hotel have employed many younger
people
• Youth Activities – Under 21 dances at Beach Club, bowling, mini-golf,
fishing and other lake activities
Needs:
• More beautification/flowers at strategic locations
• No movies
• Nearest recreation complex is in Meadville
79
Stakeholders Group Meeting 7/29/09
Conditions:
• CLP attracted 28,000 people over Memorial Day weekend
• CLP issues
o Boardwalk “boards” being sold as fundraiser
o Leased rides as per agreement
o Back tax repayment plan in process
o Lien/Debt payment/purchase can affect ownership/future
• Electric line relocation project in process in Borough (rear of buildings)
• Seasonal Rental market in 2009
o Weekly rental market is fairly good
o Weekend rentals are a need
o 5-6 cottages in CLP are rentable (many are not)
Needs:
• “Time” is needed for repayments
• B&B in house(s) in CLP
• Re-adoption of PA Byways may be necessary due to technicality
• Covered ampitheatre is needed – Fireman’s Beach or floating
• Agricultural Heritage
o Amish Tour – farms and allied business
o Farm Tourism (near Meadville)
• Youth activities – indoor gym and video arcade
• Local debate over CLABA marketing efforts (i.e. contract expiration in April
2009, impacts on Crawford County VB advertising/promotions)
Public Session #2 7/30/09
PennDOT issues
• HOP involvement on streetscape enhancements
• 25 MPH request in town
Ice Age connection with signage
Lake public access issue
• Need for town dock (permit is in process)
• Kaleigh Belle could act as water taxi with a town dock
• Easement will be necessary to complete public access connection
between Fireman’s Beach and 1st Street
Streetscape enhancements seen as an important catalyst
Concepts:
• Directional/wayfinding signage (i.e. library, shopping, school, etc.)
• Public events bulletin board
• Snow Ball Festival could be expanded into a Winterfest
• Haunted Hotel
80
Recommendations
Focal Point – “100+ years of tourism heritage”
•
•
•
•
CLP and the Lake
Famous “Dark Rides”
Restored Hotel and Amusements – to the “Golden Ages” (early-1900’s, 1950’s)
Historic interpretation by play acting volunteers
Ice Age Heritage – “Conneaut Lake 10,000 Years in the Making”
•
•
•
Mammoth Interpretation
Archaeological Sites
Hosting Archaeological Conferences/Conventions at Hotel
Lake Loop Road – focus on Seasonal Recreational Heritage
•
•
•
•
CLP – Town Connection
Pull-Offs and Interpretive Signage – Mammoths, canal heritage, former hotel
sites, directional, wayfinding
Intersection/turning lane enhancements
Common signage regulations by three municipalities
Scenic Byway Loop
•
•
•
Links Pymatuning and Conneaut Lakes
Rt. 6, Rt. 285 and SR 3011
Together with Loop Road results in a Double Lake Loop
Covered Floating Stage
•
•
Can be used near CLP beach and near Ice House Park/Fireman’s Beach
Another figurative link between CLP and Town via Lake
Informational Kiosks
•
•
•
Ice House Park
Eastern loop road (tbd)
CLP
“Trail Town”
•
•
•
Identified in Greenway Plan
Ernst Trail Extension
o Builds off of National Recreation Trail designation for existing section
o Reinforces and interprets Ice Age Heritage in and around marsh
o Remnant of Rail Heritage – railroad route around lake to Meadville
Junction
o Branch route to CLP
Pedestrian access required between Ice House Park and Fireman’s Beach;
would require easement over private property
81
Conneaut Lake Area Historical Society Museum
•
•
Video records
Curatorial Assistance
Potential Historic Districts
•
•
•
Borough and Conneaut Lake Park
Design Standards
Financial incentives via Rehabilitation Tax Credits and future PHMC funding
Development of a Town Dock in vicinity of Ice House Park
• Deals directly with connectivity and public lake access
Town Revitalization Concepts
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Streetscape Enhancement Project (phased)
Pedestrian Scale Downtown Sign regulations (i.e. maximum size, hanging, etc.)
In-Town lodging – inns, B&B or other appropriate scale
14 +/- façade enhancements
Directional signage for museum, beach, Ice House Park, library and other intown resources
Building/Site Redevelopment/Reuse - three near intersection of Rt.6/322 (4th
Street) and one at 1st Street
“Elm Street” (i.e. residential revitalization) enhancements along High Street
Parking
•
•
Off-street parking – arrangements with Fire Company Station #3 and a private
owner; signage
On-Street – parking stalls and signage
82
Third Workshop Series – Draft Presentation and Comments
The third Community Workshop was held on February 16, 2010
Program Overview: HCP Workshop Presentation – Background and Context
Tourism “Factoids”
Issues & Opportunities
Recommendation Overview
Following the presentation, most discussion focused on “next steps” for
implementation
Implementation will require a wide volunteer with wide representation via
committees that should be broad enough to includes boro & townships, planning,
CLABA, businesses
• Presently there is no sense of jointure or coordination among businesses
• The effort must avoid cliques
• Committee concepts noted
Business Committee
Traffic Committee – especially given the pedestrian issues in town
Recreation Committee – with a 4-season focus (i.e. ice fishing event)
Historical Committee – focused on museum & heritage events
Kiosks/signage/Wayfinding Committee
Promotions Committee
o Community Life Committee – housing, churches, restaurants
o
o
o
o
o
o
•
Term “Steering Committee” appears to be preferred, with role as overall
clearinghouse
o
o
•
•
Master listing of groups is being put together locally for follow-up meeting
Comments on timeframes for recommendations
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
•
Membership from various existing groups, organizations, etc.
membership from (i.e. Rt 6 Stakeholders, Com Development Committee,
School District, etc.)
Major role in activities coordination (i.e. avoid conflicting dates, etc.)
Downtown Regulations may not be a short-term recommendation
Kiosks may not be a short-term recommendation
Desire for them to be “targets” rather than “carved in stone” for priorities
“Directions” & Signage are important early action item – Lake, CLP and
Fireman’s Beach; funding for signage should be sought soon
Floating Stage implementation is more likely long-term; preliminary
discussions in medium-term
Add Immediate request to PennDOT for reduction of speed in town to 25
MPH
Ernst Trail Extension “on hold” due to environmental issues (i.e. eagles
nest)
Conneaut Lake Borough & Sadsbury Township are presently revising
zoning ordinances
o
o
Regional plan follow-up (w/ Vernon Township & Meadville)
Intergovernmental Agreement has not yet been completed, affects
regional land use concept (i.e. Adult Uses, etc.)
83
•
Need for consolidated and updated websites
o
o
•
At a minimum linking existing websites
Along with local brochures
Discussion of “Trail Town” Concept
o
o
Relationship with Greenway Plan discussed
“Main Street” w/ bike racks & boat launches
Given local vacation/residential patterns, local determination of a follow-up
implementation meeting scheduled for late-April. Plan to be completed with a
recommendations matrix as an Appendix that can be adjusted then or later.
84
The matrix below summarizes discussion items encountered during the Heritage
Communities planning process. Based on the inventories, the review of input,
the discussions involving the Stakeholders, a succinct statement of issues (i.e.
challenges) and opportunities (i.e. strengths to build on) is difficult to do and
subject to being general. Nonetheless, the following summarizes these:
Issues
Opportunities
Minimal tourism-oriented activities in March
& April
Maintaining the role for a revitalized CLP
and Hotel within the context of other local
tourism resources
Limited public recreation and access points
on Lake
Small population loss in Borough (-5%)
during 1990-2007
Minimal tourist references to canal,
agriculture, French & Indian War,
Mammoths in the Lake, Native American
sites and railroad heritage
Condition & sustainability of amusement
Park
The need for better connections between
the Park and the Downtown
Numerous tourism-oriented outdoor
activities May-October
The Lake – year-round outdoors, unlimited
horsepower, glacier story part of the
“Gilded Age” & Big Bands, Ice Industry
Boating & marine heritage; private lake
access as seasonal residential incentive
Moderate population gain in Township
(+11%) during 1990-2007
Proximity of other “lake country” resources
– PSP, Lake Erie resources, Conneaut
Marsh, “Barbara J” and storied “resort
community” heritage
Numerous classic and “dark” amusement
rides in Park
Strategic location in relation to Cleveland,
Pittsburgh, Erie and Buffalo as well as
Interstate highway system
Relatively viable business district with some
unique/destination establishments
Visual/aesthetic/pedestrian conditions
downtown – facades, crosswalks, utility
lines and other streetscape conditions
linked with business recruitment &
development needs or niche businesses
Many part-time residents with few
permanent ties to community
Traffic congestion/public safety along
Routes 6/322 and potential for
development not compatible with tourism
Little in the way of attraction & wayfinding
signage
Lake, hotel, park & boardwalk difficult to
embrace downtown/on Rt. 6
Balancing multiple uses on The Lake
embracing public recreation, navigation,
private access, fishing, etc.
Long history and name recognition as a
tourist destination and seasonal retreat
Routes 6/322 between Conneaut Lake and
Meadville as a “development corridor”
Ice House Park preserves scenic public
view of the Lake
Potential for scenic byway – Double Lake
Loop
The Lake as a unifying factor among the
seasonal/lakeside communities, business
district & casual visitors
85
Themes
This discussion evolved into an identification of the Conneaut Lake Area in terms
of Celebrating the Lake for 10,000 years

Pre-History – Glaciers and Mammoths
Lake – Heritage of water industries and activities
The Park – Recreation for generations
Nature - Agricultural, Equestrian and Environmental
The “Big Story” of course is the Lake. The Lake is the connection among
prehistory, the ice harvesting industry, the Park, the community and the long and
rich recreational heritage. Some communities must search for their “uniqueness”.
Most area residents need only look outside their homes and businesses.
Visitors
Stories
Tourism-oriented
businesses
Cottage
communities
The Lake
Residents
Attractions
Conneaut Lake
Park
Synthesis
The elements of a local heritage effort are premised on an approach that
provides understandable and interesting linkages with the community’s rich
social, cultural and economic past and the present, embracing such disparate
elements as the timber boom years and nature tourism opportunities. This
requires:

Physical streetscape and façade improvements pose an matter for
discussion in that the general public and certain key local persons see
them as very much needed while they the business community sees them
86
as needed but less important than things like attracting new types of
businesses and adding additional events and activities.

There is concern over continuing and improving coordination among the
diverse business community in promotions, events and communication in
general.

The community has wide name recognition in tourism, an attribute that
should be fully exploited and expanded as it strives to become even more
visitor- ready. Without minimizing these resources, local input suggests
Conneaut Lake wants to be “more than a Park or Lake” community.

There appears to be a “disconnect” between the downtown business
district and surrounding seasonal residential area residents and the many
lakeside facilities and amenities.

While the Lake has the potential to be a “unifying factor” in resolving this
disconnect noted above, there are few public access points, a factor that
complicates this role.

Improved signage is seen as a way of also addressing the disconnect
noted above, although existing signage on Route 6 directs westbound
Conneaut Lake Park traffic away from the downtown business district.

Limited/vague parking, traffic congestion and speed as well as truck
volumes provide obstacles for a pedestrian-friendly downtown business
district.

The economic health and sustainability of Conneaut Lake Park is seen as
extremely important in maintaining and enhancing the community as a
tourism destination.

Local input suggests that the range of accommodations in the community
is rather limited, consisting mostly of older motels, the Hotel Conneaut and
seasonal rentals, with little in the way of inn or Bed and Breakfast
establishments.

People have “fun” in Conneaut Lake, all types of people and all types of
fun. Local input during workshops noted the delicate balancing of a
“partying image” with a “family friendly” image with the area seen as being
large and diverse enough to be both.
87
IMPLEMENTATION
The planning process has identified a number of localized implementation
measures aimed to enhancing the Conneaut Lake Area as a better tourism
destination and as a community. It is often easy to overlook the latter, but one
major goal of heritage-tourism is to stabilize and enhance the community’s
economy.
Heritage Route 6 Economic Impacts
Heritage PA sponsored a study of the
economic impact of State Heritage
Areas (SHA) in Pennsylvania. The
study analyzed the economic impact of
heritage areas and in Pennsylvania six
heritage areas including PA Route 6
participated. Surveys were conducted
at several sites in August through
October 2008. Survey data was paired
with visitation statistics for specific sites within each heritage area and fed into an
economic impact model developed by the National Park Service called Money
Generation Model (MGM2). The results released in 2010 revealed that visitors to
participating heritage areas in Pennsylvania spent a total of $300.9 million in
2008, generating an estimated $255.8 million in direct sales, which supported
over $95 million in salary and wages for Pennsylvania residents. Approximately
56% of the spending ($168 million) was generated by overnight visitors staying in
hotels, motels, B&B’s, inns and other lodging, 29% ($88 million) by those either
staying with friends/family or in campgrounds and 15% ($45 million) by out-oftown day visitors.
According to the Route 6 SHA portion, released by the PA Route 6 Alliance,
Route 6 attracts 3.5 million travelers a year, who spend approximately $91.1
million dollars, supporting over 2,000 jobs. The study also revealed the following:
55% of the visitors to Route 6 were first-time visitors to the SHA;
Over 67% of the 407 respondents, or 274 persons, were staying overnight
with the following major characteristics:
o
o
o
o

118 (43.1%) in hotels, motels, bed & breakfasts or inns
95 (34.7%) in campgrounds
40 (14.6% with family/friends in area
21 (7.7%) staying overnight outside the area.
The average stay along Route 6 was 2.9 nights.
The typical Route 6 travel party is one to four adults traveling without children,
in fact 84% of the travel parties are without children under 18 years of age.
Approximately 32% of the visitors reside in a different state, 17% reside in a
county within the Route 6 SHA and 51% in a county outside of the SHA.
The average number of facilities or attractions visited along Route 6 is 2.8.
88
Tourism and Economics
A recognized source for economic/tourism thought and strategies is The 25
Immutable Rules of Successful Tourism (Roger A. Brooks and Maury Forman;
Kendall/Hunt Publishing Co., 2003), which coincides very well with the
Pennsylvania Route 6 Heritage Communities Program. This referenced work
begins with a simple statement that earning money in a given town and spending
it elsewhere is “leakage”. Tourism as a part of an economic development
strategy that seeks to avoid leakage, since it should accomplish the following:
Diversifies local economy helping avoid over dependence on a few
businesses;
Creates multipliers on all local businesses;
Brings in “new money” to the community;
Helps tax base that in turn pays for community services and facilities;
Creates jobs and opportunities at the entry level;
Promotes business development especially when a visitor becomes an
investor or future business person; and
Enhances community aesthetics.
Successful tourism is premised on getting visitors to stop and keep them in town
longer, especially overnight.
“Visitors” may include tourist and business
travelers. A few “rules of thumb” help understand the tourist-visitor a little better:

State estimates suggest that 44% of all visitors stay with relatives, thus a
large part of tourism occurs literally at the “kitchen table”;

The visitor experience is shaped by destinations or “lures” that in turn create a
potential visitor market for attractions or “diversions” (i.e. those amenities that
may depend on the lure);

There are a number of shifts occurring in the tourism industry due in large
part to the maturization of the “baby boomer” generation:
o the prime season is expanding from the June-August period to a longer
April – October period;
o “boomers” generally do not prefer motor coach/packaged tours but
prefer to be in greater control; and
o High gasoline prices notwithstanding, the RV industry appears to be
healthy (RV’s are premised on “control”)

Visitors spend only a portion of their time at “typical” tourist lures:
o nationally, people spend 20-40 minutes in a museum
o the typical lure captures people for no more than 4-6 hours per day,
leaving 8-10 hours for other attractions and diversions, and 80% of
tourist spending occurs at these attractions and diversions
o the “scenic vista” experience usually lasts no more than 15 minutes
89
Brooks and Forman often cite the “4-Times Rule” in their discussion on tourism,
in that travelers subconsciously must be kept busy at a destination for a period 4
times the travel time to get there. Simply stated, one would probably not travel to
Europe or Hawaii for a weekend stay, due to the travel time involved. To localize
this to Conneaut Lake, driving time suggests that a visitor from the Harrisburg
Area would need to justify a trip to Conneaut Lake with 18 hours of activities,
while the Pittsburgher would only need a little over 6 hours of activities. The
Conneaut Lake area already hosts a substantial seasonal resident population,
who may travel a great or a small distance over weekends or longer periods
especially in the summer.
Obviously, experiences from an area larger than the Conneaut Lake area (i.e.
Route 6, Erie, Lumber Region, etc.) can be “bundled” into the visitor experiences.
Finally, this latter bundling issue is reflected in the fact that people generally
travel for experiences and not geography. An edited summary of their following
25 rules help assure success and are critical in the Route 6 tourism effort:
o
A good plan that takes into account local resources and likely visitors who may be
attracted by various features, such as natural resources (i.e. forests, recreation, etc.),
cultural resources (i.e. history, ethnic heritage, etc.), human resources (i.e.
performing arts, crafts, etc.) and capital resources (transportation, hotels, etc.).
These are included in this Heritage Community Planning effort.

Partnerships among visitor, development, business and other organizations,
representing the private and public sectors, much like the Conneaut Lake
Stakeholders Group;

Billboards and signage that “tease” and tempt or give a reason for visitors to stop,
avoiding over used words and phrases (i.e. gateway, something for everyone, etc.).
Signage should use the right words, be brief, have a simple design and be
maintained.

Adequate, clean and conveniently located comfort facilities that may include a visitor
information kiosk. On the commercial side, national chains have found that
restrooms actually attract customers, with approximately one-half of those
purchasing something there doing it out of convenience and the other half out of
guilt. In short, since everybody “has to go” why not take advantage of it as business
decision?

Take community design into account especially at entranceways focused on places
that will make the best first impressions, keeping signage uncluttered and
professionally done.

As a corollary, communities need adequate and user-friendly wayfinding signage;

Consider perpendicular signage with appropriate sized letter fonts for ease of
reading by drivers and pedestrians, advertising the type of store not just the name
that may be unfamiliar and meaningless for visitors.
90

Address parking issues with special “forgiveness” for parkers/shoppers, providing
facilities (with signage) for RV parking and other local incentives. While enforcement
may not be a major issue in Conneaut Lake, conveniently located and signed parking
areas is an issue. By the way, studies show that most visitors need up to 4 hours of
parking at a given location.

Make the “frontline” employees (i.e. retail clerks, waiters/waitresses, etc.) part of the
sales and attraction effort. This requires hospitality training, “adoption” of resources
(“while you’re in town you need to see ….), cross-promotions or other local efforts.

Visitor information availability 24-hours a day, 7 days a week, with informational
kiosks augmenting staffed visitor centers, all of which should be conveniently located
and well maintained.

Create a conveniently located cluster of visitor oriented retail shopping opportunities
that in turn attract a critical mass of shoppers that benefit the clustered businesses.

Creatively convert any negative characteristics into positives, such as linking the
numerous resources and residences ringing the lake.

Develop a unique idea or concept that sets your community apart and becomes
intrinsic in its theme. This may be one of the most critical and difficult elements,
since many communities can claim to be a friendly small town that is close to outdoor
recreation.

Gather third-party endorsements that reinforce the local pitch to visitors. This can be
as simple as welcoming comments at visitor’s register at the Visitor’s Center.

Pursue business attraction and retention that complements the local tourism
resources and helps attract visitors and keep them longer. Simply stated, focus on
businesses that fit in with community image, goals and context and avoid those that
may disrupt the setting or context.

The most successful museums and the ones most remembered tell stories and give
a context and do not merely show artifacts.
Keep people interested and occupied so that they are busy four times longer than it
took them to get there as noted earlier, so that they can say that “… it was worth the
drive”. This requires an understanding of the potential visitor market, the concept of
bundling and the relationship between accommodations and other hospitality
resources.

Understand the importance of “product development” not just marketing in terms of
the local economic impacts of tourism. This may require a community to address
certain issues such as attractions, business development, visual quality and the
development of other diversions. Visitors need “something to do”, especially after
5:00.

Promote activities not just the place, perhaps in an “activities guide” where the
experience is addressed. This can be on the State Tourism website, local websites,
niche markets, etc.
91

Brand the community reflecting what is that sets it apart or is unique. Again, the
uniqueness sells the community. When one hears of Salem, MA or Williamsburg,
VA one has an image. While these communities may be the extreme, they do
illustrate the need to have a recognizable brand.

Photographs should show the activities not just the resources or attractions. Again,
sell the experience and not the location.

Promotional items should create a positive image and provide a simple way to
respond or call for more information.

Carry out a public relations effort in various types of media, since it is usually more
effective than advertising alone.

Use the Internet to attract visitors with a quality and user-friendly website; and

Advertising should be frequent and consistent.
The above include obvious and not so obvious concepts, not all of which is
directly related to Conneaut Lake. However, they help form the foundation of a
local tourism effort. Taken together they reinforce two critical components of any
local heritage community effort, simply stated what is unique about Conneaut
Lake County and how does the community setting (i.e. visual quality, retailing,
attractions, diversions, etc.) interface with the area as a destination.
Tourism Factoids
The following factors have been identified by Destination Development, Inc, and
premise this Heritage Community planning effort:

#1 tourism activity worldwide– shopping, dining and entertainment in pedestrianfriendly setting having a critical mass of food, specialty retail and stores open after
6:00 (when 70% of spending occurs)
Tourists are active 14 hrs/day – 6 hours in the primary activity that brought them to a
place and 8 hours in secondary/diversionary activities
Secondary or diversionary activities account for 80% of visitor spending
Curb appeal accounts for 70% of most recreation and accommodations and food
services sales
Overnight visitors spend three times more per day than day-trippers
Building on the above the keys for success include getting visitors and passersby
to stop and create and maintain ways to keep them here longer. In other words,
the community needs to enhance its role as an overnight destination. Thus, the
WorkPlan should:

Develop, revitalize and maintain – things to do and keeping people busy
Inform and direct – personal contact not just signs, websites and brochures
Become a destination - Sell the experience not just the place
A good first impression – aesthetics and community design
92
Implementation Matrix
The various recommendations are interrelated and all oriented towards
addressing and reinforcing those two critical elements underlying this planning
effort, namely focusing on unique qualities and enhancing the community setting.
The matrix on pages 95-104 describes and relates the recommendations, and
places them into a suggested implementation timeframe.
Central to the implementation is a local responsible and coordinating party
assuming the role initiated by the Conneaut Lake Stakeholders Group, namely a
local body involved in developing and promoting local heritage tourism.
Pragmatics should rule here, in that as is the case with smaller communities,
there are only so many people to go around. A local decision, and a critical one
at that, is if this role is to be by a separate individual body or a part of another,
such as the Chamber of Commerce, Borough, existing community agency, etc.
In addition, the multi-municipal nature of this planning effort demands a regional
approach to implementation and a regional coordinating body.
The implementation process is complex and interrelated, and depends on
applying for and receiving a certain amount of public funding. The final plan will
be placed before the State Oversight Committee in an effort to see that this
occurs. Central themes are carried forward as an attempt to reinforce Conneaut
Lake in relation to the Pennsylvania Great Lakes Region, which locally embraces
the recreational use of the Lake, Conneaut Lake Park and the archeological
heritage associated with the lake.
Administrative - Framework/Institutional Issues
A central recommendation critical for follow-up and implementation of the
Heritage Communities Program concept is the institutionalization of a “Steering
Committee” that will be the central focal point for localized tourism activities
recommended in this Plan. In essence, a committee is required for coordination,
monitoring, follow-up, marketing and promotion associated with future Heritage
Communities activities. The Steering Committee is recommended to meet the
following:

It should be representative and focused, embracing the community, area tourism
resources and focused on furthering the recommendations of this Plan;
It may include various existing groups and committees;
It should also include County and regional planning and development agencies; and
Officially sanctioned by municipal governing bodies.
The Committee is seen as a facilitator and coordinator focused on the
implementation of WorkPlan recommendations and not a “new agency” per se.
Numerous recommendations are suggested to be carried out by other existing
agencies or officials. In these cases, the Committee essentially “keeps things
moving” and/or monitors the community agenda and encourages actions.
Certain recommendations may require the committee to assume a more active
93
role in implementation. In either case, the Committee also has annual reporting
responsibilities to the Pennsylvania Route 6 Alliance, so that the Alliance is kept
abreast of progress towards carrying out the WorkPlan.
Administrative – Regulatory Issues
Pages 73-75 of this WorkPlan review present and proposed zoning and land use
regulations, as well as a critique of these regulations especially as they relate to
Route 6 heritage resources such as the corridor and the :Lake. Conneaut Lake
Borough and Sadsbury Township are revising zoning regulations reflecting the
land use recommendations of a recently completed multi-municipal
comprehensive plan. These ordinances are also anticipated to treat signage
regulations as well. Summit Township is not in the process of revision local
zoning regulations at the present time. When such a revision does occur,
attention is encouraged to signage regulations as well as the designated
Conservation and Single-family Residential Districts near the intersection of
Routes 618 and 18. In the latter case, the area to the west of Rt. 618 is in the
Conservation District but sustains several businesses while the area east of Rt.
618 and south of Rt. 18 is zoned for Single-family residential but sections may be
more appropriate in the Conservation District. Of course, rezoning should follow
the recommendations of a local land use/comprehensive plan, beyond the scope
of the WorkPlan effort.
94
Short-term (first 12 months after adoption)
Recommendation/Action
Establishment of a
Conneaut Lake Heritage
Community Steering
Committee (CLHCSC)
Implementation
Category
Administrative
Description
A formal group building on the activities of the
Stakeholders Group, charged with the coordination &
monitoring of achievement of recommendations
o
Will also coordinate with the PA Route 6 Alliance
o CLHCSC should not duplicate work of existing groups
or agencies but be a clearinghouse and formal
organizational capacity to maintain the Rt. 6 tourism
focus.
Comments
May include a cross-section representing:
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
Rt. 6 Heritage Community Stakeholders
Conneaut Lake Area Historical Society
Conneaut Lake Community Development Committee (CLCDC)
Conneaut Lake Institute
Crawford County Convention & Visitors Bureau
Conneaut Lake Area Business Association
Local Governments – Borough of Conneaut Lake and Townships of
Sadsbury and Summit
Crawford County Planning Commission
Conneaut Lake Area School District
Major attractions – CLP, Pymatuning State Park
Area businesses
Locals should add/delete as is felt most locally appropriate.
CLHCSC may be under an existing agency such as CLCDC
Maintenance of
implementation effort
Administrative
CLHCSC breaks WorkPlan recommendations into
activities and tasks for subcommittees
Suggested implementation categories for committees as per
final Community Workshop:
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
Development of a local
promotional effort with
regional tie-in
Marketing/Promotion
& Administrative
Initiation - CLHCSC develops & maintains a local
tourism-oriented tab on an existing website (i.e.
CLABA) or develop a new website
o
o
o
Maintain a relationship with the Crawford County
Convention & Visitors Bureau
Create multi-day itineraries reinforcing the area and
relating to other Pennsylvania’s Great Lakes Region
attractions
Communication initiation and maintenance with other
Rt. 6 Heritage Communities
Business Committee – tourism-focus business
Traffic Committee – especially given the pedestrian issues in
downtown business district
Recreation Committee – with a 4-season focus
Historical Committee – focused on museum & heritage events
Kiosks/signage/Wayfinding Committee
Promotions Committee
Community Life Committee – housing, churches, restaurants
Website tab should include destinations and tourismoriented/supportive businesses
Possible website location is “Conneaut Lake Visitor
Information” tab that should be expanded
o Area of focus between Mile Markers 6 (Linesville) and 25
(Meadville) that include
84 accommodations/food services
62 arts, entertainment & recreation providers
125 tourism-oriented retail establishments
Website upgrading costs $1,000-$2,000 (depending on complexity
& local capacities) with minimal maintenance costs over those for
existing websites plus maintenance of a Facebook page (minimal
or no costs) complementing existing pages (i.e. Conneaut Lake,
Memories of Conneaut Lake, Conneaut Lake Park, etc.)
o
95
Short-term (first 12 months after adoption) - Continued
Participation in Keep
Pennsylvania Beautiful
Program
Town Revitalization
Program
Implementation
Category
Marketing/Promotion &
Administrative
Physical
Enhancements Heritage Resource
Development
Description
Continuation of the annual “Litter Indexing” survey in
and around Conneaut Lake as developed with the PA
Route 6 Alliance during the HCP planning process
Initiation of Downtown Revitalization involving
structural & non-structural activities within the Central
Business District focused on Water Street,
understanding that revitalization is a long-term
process.
Determine interest in the Main Street Program
o
o
Join the PA Downtown Center.
Completion of a Community Profile and Letter of Intent
by CLCDC on behalf of Borough and submission via
DCED & Pennsylvania Downtown Center when
applications are again welcomed
Continue planning and funding resource identification
for planned streetscape enhancement project.
Consideration of Pennsylvania Community
Transportation Initiative (PCTI) by combining
streetscape & traffic calming concepts
Initiate early-action activities:
o
o
Reduction of speed limit in business district on Water
Street to 25 MPH
Improved pavement marking/signage for on-street
parking spaces
Comments
The Litter Index requires an annual canvassing and rating
of the 8 areas locally identified (See Litter Indexing Map)
with follow-up work focusing on resolving identified
problems and monitoring
This major set of developmental recommendations would
be aided by Main Street designation; requiring local funding under
$1,000 (includes PDC membership). Funding cutbacks have
made this program very competitive and DCED accepted no new
planning/designation applications during fiscal year 2009-10.
CLCDC suggested to serve as Main Street organization
An alternative to the full-fledged Main Street program would be
applications under several categorical components of the
program for funding via DCED:
o Façade Improvement Grants (self-explanatory)
o Anchor Building Grants (renovations to a significant building
in each town)
o Downtown Reinvestment Grants (can fund a wide variety of
activities – structural improvements, streetscape,
construction, etc.); DCED funding in $250,000 range
o CLCDC to coordinate application(s) to DCED; Local match
requirements vary among activities.
Another potential source for revitalization funding is the
Community Conservation & Employment Program (DCED) that is
focused on community/economic development, business
retention/creation and community/recreational facilities
improvements (Application Deadline 3/21/2011).
PCTI application deadline is 9/15/10
CLCDC is trying to implement a version of the streetscape
project. The County & Locals contributed $10,000 towards the
effort. Overhead utilities are being relocated. The Crawford
County Planning Commission (CCPC) will be searching for
grants.
Initiate/maintain dialogue with PennDOT District 1-0 on speed
limit reduction
96
Short-term (first 12 months after adoption) - Continued
Implementation
Category
Lake-Oriented Enhancements Physical
Development &
Community Needs
Description
Comments
A Gazebo was originally planned for IHP but not
funded. Initiate planning of the Floating Stage
concept that would accomplish even more than the
originally planned Gazebo focusing on the following:
The Lake is the unique quality of the area and can be a
unifying force. The Floating Stage concept reflects public
input during the charrette of building on the unique
characteristic and addressing lake access limitations.
Permitting
Docking locations (in season) in relation to existing
docking system and potential navigation issues
o Storage locations (off-season)
o
o
o
Local consultation determined IHP partners not
adverse to concept although attention required on
aesthetics, difficulty in tying into dock system and
storage elsewhere than IHP area.
Wayfinding Signage
Wayfinding &
Initiate enhanced identification of local resources
Marketing/Promotion
Historic District
Heritage Resource
Development
CLHCSC takes the lead in identifying local interest in
& potential eligibility of a National Register Historic
District in Conneaut Lake Borough & Conneaut Lake
Park
o
o
o
o
Local fundraising for identification signage, focusing on
Conneaut Lake Historical Society Museum, Ice House
Park, Fireman’s Beach and Business District
CLHCSC coordination with the Pennsylvania Historical &
Museum Commission (PHMC) & local property owners.
o
o
CLP Park/Hotel – “Golden
Age” Enhancements
Heritage Resource
CLHCSC solicits volunteers for oral history/play acting
Development &
interpretation of the CLP/Hotel for strategic dates (i.e.
Marketing/Promotion Memorial Day, July 4th, Pumpkin Fest, etc.) in period
clothes. Coordinate with Conneaut Lake Area
Historical Society for assistance in scripts.
Initiate restoration of signature amusements with
fundraising for the Blue Streak roller coaster.
A small version of a floating/pontoon deck was initiated in
CLP in the summer 2009
Varying depth of the Lake may complicate potential
anchorage locations
Navigation issues include unlimited power boats and resulting
wake and the need to not impede navigation
PA Fish & Boat Commission noted that a Special Activities
Permit would most likely be needed from F&BC
PADEP regulates docks in the lake and would likely be
involved
Identify potential Federal tax advantages associated with
commercial development in NRHD’s should be identified &
discussed
Discuss unique issues and measures related to the
preponderance of leased properties within Conneaut Lake
Park that should be explored with PHMC as they affect
Federal tax advantages
Numerous former workers at the Hotel and/or CLP during
the post-war era are residents or regular visitors to the
area. Several participated in the charrette and have noted
interest in volunteering to play act their experiences as
bellmen, ride operators, etc. Two “golden age” eras were
noted as focal points - the turn of the 20th Century and postwar 1950’s (minimal costs for costumes & scripts)
Coaster restoration aimed towards private foundation
funding and local fundraising
97
Mid-term (1-5 years)
Double Lake Tours
Implementation
Description
Comments
Category
Tourism/Tours Mapped tours in WorkPlan (See Double Lake Loop Map) Tour interconnects local and regional lake-based resources
and achieves the concept of slowing people down
Marketing/Promotion
o Roadside signage designating route as Conneaut Lake Loop
& Wayfinding
One tour linking Conneaut Lake Borough, Linesville
Tour; Two-faced signs at strategic locations at an estimated
and Pymatuning State Park Area;
cost of $15,000 - $20,000
o
o
Unique flat topography and agricultural and waterrelated recreational area
US Route 6 is part of the Loop
Another loop tour around Lake Conneaut connecting
commercial, seasonal recreational and archeological
resources
o
o
o
Continuation - Town
Revitalization Program
Heritage Resource
Continuation of Downtown Revitalization involving
Development &
structural & non-structural activities within the Central
Marketing/Promotion Business District
Begin Streetscape construction with placement of
period-style lighting standards, benches & crosswalks
o Façade enhancements/maintenance (14 +/-storefronts)
o Recruitment efforts – focused on presently vacant
storefronts on Water Street and site of former
Navigation Company structure
o Consensus on site & seek developer for in-town
accommodations
o Formal designation of off-street parking areas
o
Trail Town Enhancements
Heritage Resource
Initiate discussions with local property owners over
Development &
pedestrian access between Ice House Park and
Marketing/Promotion Fireman’s Beach
Interpretive Panels identifying critical resources including
mammoths, ice harvesting site CLP/Exposition Park Heritage,
historic CLP rides & ride sites (including “dark rides”),
Conneaut Lake Outlet at an estimated cost of $250/site
Posting of tour on a map on the local website location
“Conneaut Lake Visitor Information” tab with photographs
from strategic areas (i.e. Pymatuning Causeway, Conneaut
Lake Park, key commercial areas, Ice House Park, other
Lake views, etc.)
Potential sources include upcoming transportation
enhancements, future State Heritage Area funding if/when
restored in State Budget
Initiation of construction and continuation of major focus of
the developmental recommendations as the Main Street
approach and/or Downtown Revitalization and/or
Community Conservation & Employment via DCED
o
o
o
o
Façade Improvement Grants (matching grants for projects in
the range of $2,500 - $7,500)
Downtown Reinvestment Grants (structural improvements,
streetscape, etc.); DCED funding in $250,000 range
CLCDC markets streetscape enhancements, vacant
storefronts & potential lodging locations via local website.
Note: recruitment is a part of the “Main Street” approach
CLCDC facilitates use of 3 off-street lots (see CBD
Revitalization Map)
Directional & identification signage for off-street parking Lots
o
Potential sources for streetscape may include upcoming
transportation enhancements, future State Heritage Area
funding (i.e. Route 6 State Heritage Area) if/when restored
in State Budget.
Interconnecting these resources interfaces the concept of
pedestrian-friendliness & Lake accessibility. It also is a first
step toward realizing the “Trail Town” recommendation
included in the County Greenway Plan.
98
Mid-term (1-5 years) - Continued
Continuation - Lake-Oriented
Enhancements
Implementation
Category
Physical
Development
Description
Continuation of planning for the Floating Stage
focusing on funding and specification preparation
o Determination of private (for profit) enterprise or
public/semi-public (non-profit) enterprise or a hybrid of
public/semi-public stage ownership and leased for
private operation
o Review of potential funding sources if it will be a
public/semi-public venture
o Development of specifications
Monitor the progress of the Town Dock Permit in
process by the Borough during the HCP planning
process
Localized Informational
Opportunities
Marketing/Promotion CLHCSC determines the scope, interest in and
finalize locations for informational kiosks linking
resources & businesses to counter a disconnect
among tourism businesses, attractions & other
resources around the Lake.
Comments
Based on discussions with the company that built the stage
used on the Susquehanna River in Lock Haven, PA, the
suggested stage would be “customized” and not a typical
“off-the–shelf” project. The company can fabricate small to
very large platforms, for example, they mentioned a recent
one in Branson, MO (noted as 24’ X 24’). Among the items
to be considered in specifications are the following:
o Key factors they need to consider when designing a
facility are structural load and flotation load
o The community should first desire an acceptable size
(i.e. 40’ X 60’, 30’ X 30’, etc.) and other appurtenances
(i.e. railing, access ramps, etc.)
o Another matter to consider is water depth and
anchoring; in shallow water a telescoping pipe was
noted as a common anchoring technique
o Building Code issues may arise, with a wide variation of
requirements nationwide depending on local code
review processes and reviewers
o Exposure issues need to be considered – how long the
stage is in the water, storage, etc.
o Costs in late-2009 for a high load facility may be in the
range of $35 - $40 per square foot; meaning a 30’ X 30’
stage would be in the $31,500 - $36,000 range
May be a collaborative effort among CLHCSC, CLABA &
Crawford County Visitors & Convention Bureau, with
options ranging from kiosks as displays for printed materials
and/or mapping of local businesses, attractions & other
resources to interactive wayfinding & directory touch
screens. The former approach has initial capital and
periodic maintenance costs, while the more interactive
approach has the up-front capital needs as well as software
and activities similar to website management.
99
Mid-term (1-5 years) - continued
Continuation – Historic
District
Museum Enhancements
Implementation
Category
Heritage Resource
Development
Heritage Resource
Development
Description
Pending the determination of interest & applicability,
CLHCSC coordinates the nomination of NRHD’s in
the Borough and/or Conneaut Lake Park and followup information/marketing of incentives created by the
NRHD designation.
The Historical Society has requested curatorial
assistance in managing collections received and
exhibited in the Museum
Comments
Requires coordination among PHMC, the Conneaut Lake
Area Historical Society and CCPC for the submission of the
required nomination document for each of the potential
districts.
Pending the accomplishment of the NRHD designation,
CLHCSC works with PHMC to develop an outreach effort
that informs and promotes the tax advantages of NRHD
designation
Managing collections is really managing assets, since these
are collections of critical heritage resources. This can
include use of PastPerfect or similar software, an integrated
data base (cost of 5.0 version is $870) with features such as
capacity to hold millions of catalog records, customized
fields, user specific catalog lists and report builder.
Curatorial assistance may also include:
o
o
o
Donations documents addressing ownership/temporary loans
of donated/loaned materials (minimal costs)
Interpretation assistance/planning for exhibits, relating
artifacts into local themes (low cost - $1,000-$5,000)
Collections policy for accepting donations, reflecting
interpretive plans and local priorities (minimal costs)
In the past PHMC had several grant programs that assisted
in these types of activities, although the Museum assistance
Grant Program line item was not funded in 2011,
suggesting the need to identify & attract private funding,
foundation assistance and those programs commonly
associated with legislative initiatives
100
Long- term (6-10 years)
Completion - Town
Revitalization Program
Implementation
Category
Physical
Development
Description
Last phases Downtown Revitalization completing
structural activities and strengthening/ restructuring
the orientation of the Central Business District
o
o
o
o
Residential Revitalization
Program
Physical
Enhancements –
Community Needs
Completion of Streetscape construction with
replacement of period-style lighting standards, benches
& crosswalks
Finalize façade enhancements/maintenance (14 +/storefronts)
Recruitment efforts – focused on presently vacant
storefronts on Water Street and site of former
Navigation Company structure, keyed to providing a
Lifestyle Market for Outdoor Enthusiasts & Their
Families
Assist developer for in-town accommodations
Multi-faceted physical enhancements along Line
(between 2nd and 4th) and High Streets both
paralleling Route 6
Strategic Streetscape enhancements at select locations
(i.e. sidewalks, streetlights, etc.)
o Façade enhancement assistance as needed in the
residential area
NOTE: Line Street streetscape included in original
streetscape master plan; High Street added during HCP
process
o
Encourage the development of private housing for
maturing adults in the region.
Comments
Continuation of major focus of the developmental
recommendations within the Central Business District as the
Main Street approach and/or Downtown Revitalization
and/or Community Conservation & Employment via DCED
o
o
o
o
Façade Improvement Grants (matching grants for projects in
the range of $2,500 - $7,500)
Downtown Reinvestment Grants (structural improvements,
streetscape, etc.); additional DCED funding in $250,000 $500,000 range
CLCDC markets streetscape enhancements, vacant
storefronts & potential lodging locations via local website
Development of new/rehabilitated accommodations (i.e. hotel,
motel, inn, B&B) with incentives package that may include
various sources - above State programs, Tax Increment
Financing, HUD Section 108 Loan Guarantees & Federal
Rehabilitation Investment Tax Credit program ( i.e. encourage
private investment in rehabilitating income producing, historic
properties)
Residential Revitalization Program activities may include
exterior façade improvements to residential properties such
as painting, siding, roof repairs, root removal & other
exterior enhancements up to $5,000 per property. A 50/50
match is required for façade revitalization to rental
residential, non-residential & residential units owned by
persons above 115% of median income. Otherwise, a 10%
cash/in-kind match is required per residential unit.
Potential sources for streetscape in both areas may include
upcoming transportation enhancements, future State
Heritage Area funding (i.e. Route 6 State Heritage Area)
if/when restored in State Budget.
During the HCP planning process the potential for a
retirement community was noted in the area, reinforcing
varied housing choice, freeing older residents of
maintenance & enhancing market for existing units.
101
Trail Town Enhancements
Implementation
Category
Tourism/Tours Heritage Resource
Development &
Marketing/Promotion
Description
Expanded and continued coordination with various
regional agencies in the development and marketing
of the Ernst Trail Extension as recommended in the
County Greenway Plan.
o The proposed segment extends the Trail from US
Route 19 east of the Borough through Conneaut
Lake to Meadville Junction
o Locally, connecting CLP with a branch trail is
noted (see Region Tourism and Heritage Map)
Consideration is suggested for a Trail Feasibility
Study that would analyze potential users, benefits and
costs, including a physical inventory of alternate trail
routings.
Completion - Lake-Oriented
Enhancements
Physical
Development
Coordination of fabrication, delivery & placement of
the Floating Stage, reflecting public and/or private
venture ownership decision
Comments
The proposed segment from US Route 19 to Conneaut
Lake parallels Conneaut Marsh, an ancient river valley
infield with glacial debris and home to nesting bald eagles
and migrating waterfowl.
o
o
Reflecting the sensitive nature of this area, potential
environmental obstacles & issues facing this Extension were
noted at public sessions
This extension is essential for the community to become a
“Trail Town” as recommended in the Greenway Plan; Trail
Towns are expected to sustain accommodations, eating
establishments & retail that serve trail users
PADCNR sponsors several trail programs, including Trail
Feasibility Study funding as well as trail development
funding
This was determined to be a significant project that builds
on the community’s unique resource, working around the
public accessibility issue while utilizing the Lake as a
unifying tourism resource base.
o Availability for concerts on special Spring-Early Autumn
period
o Event programming via the chosen public/private entity
Public/non-profit alternative suggests funding potentials via
include Community Conservation & Employment via DCED
and future State Heritage Area funding (i.e. Route 6 State
Heritage Area) if/when restored in State Budget.
.
102
CLP Park/Hotel – “Golden
Age” Enhancements
Implementation
Category
Heritage Resource
Development &
Marketing/Promotion
Description
Comments
CLHCSC coordinates dialogue with owners of existing
motels and Conneaut Lake Park to encourage
renovations and enhancements that focus on the
restoration to the 1950’s era appearance
Exploit the popularity of the “retro” potential of the CLP &
nearby accommodations
o The existing accommodation establishments near CLP reflect
o
Museum Enhancements
Heritage Resource
Development
The Historical Society has noted the need to video
tape or digitally record in some fashion select
collections & exhibits received and exhibited in the
Museum as well as oral histories.
the “motor inn” appearance popular in the 1950’s & 1960’s.
Instead of trying to “update” or “reinvent” these
accommodations as something else, consideration should be
given to restorations of the classic 1950’s architecture in
exterior, signage, etc.
Similarly, the latest of the CLP’s “golden ages” was during the
immediate post-war 1950/1960’s, prior to the advent of the
“modern” large amusement park. A period-based renovation
recreating the architecture, rides & feel of this era would build
on a unique characteristic of the CLP.
The accommodations are “private” operations and the role
of the CLHCSC is that of a facilitator and motivator,
however, it can build a case with typical State funding
sources such as DCED for the relationship between “period
restorations”, local unique resources (i.e. CLP, the Lake) &
economic base considerations.
Video format would make Museum resources more
accessible & user-friendly. In addition to facilitating on-site
presentations, video format makes the collections more
“portable” for sharing with local agencies and schools, at
area events, Facebook & other social networks & on the
Historical Society’s website.
In the past PHMC had several grant programs that assisted
in these types of activities, although the Museum assistance
Grant Program line item was not funded in 2011,
suggesting the need to identify & attract private funding,
foundation assistance and those programs commonly
associated with legislative initiatives
103
Continuation – Historic
District
Double Lake Tours - Traffic
Safety
Implementation
Category
Heritage Resource
Development
Physical
Enhancements –
Community Needs &
Tourism/Tours Marketing/Promotion
Description
Comments
Pending the determination of interest in the Historic
District concept (in a portion of the Borough & CLP),
CLHCSC works with the Borough & Summit Township
in incorporating design standards in local zoning
regulations.
“Design Standards” can regulate the appearance,
materials, spacing & related requirements for construction
or rehabilitation in defined historic/zoning districts. DCED
provides assistance via the Land Use Planning & Technical
Assistance Program (LUPTAP)
o Costs vary depending on scope but likely costs for
revision/standards in the $15,000-$25,000 range
o DCED encourages multi-municipal approaches that may
vary from a “model regulation” to be revised, localized &
incorporated by each of the municipalities to the actual
localized regulations for both of the affected ordinances
including required public meetings & enactment
Assuming an increase in vehicular traffic over the loop,
coordination through the regional transportation planning &
programming process of the Northwest Commission for the
programming of a traffic study on the identified routes,
identifying:
Encourage the funding & preparation of a traffic safety
study on the portion of the tour comprised of the Loop
around Lake Conneaut (Rts. 6/18/618)
o
o
o
o
Existing & projected traffic volumes, turning movements.
Intersection levels of service, etc.
Congested areas/times, turning movement problems, access
management issues for driveways/access points, etc.
Recommended solutions including signalization (additional
signals, coordination of existing, etc.), intersection
improvement alternatives, turning lanes, etc.
Cost will vary with scope, with funding via the Transportation
Improvement Plan with coordination via the Northwest
Commission’s Transportation Advisory Committee
104
Summary of Recommendations
The maps on pages 107-10 help depict the recommendations that are
appropriately graphically illustrated, cutting across the categories included in the
Implementation Matrix on the previous pages.
Region Tourism and Heritage Map
This map (p. 107) identifies the regional resources – in place and suggested – in
and around Conneaut Lake Borough. Obviouslu the Lake and the immediate
loop around it are keys to the uniqueness of the community. The 100+ years of
tourism heritage is a great building block. Adding to it is an archaeological
component that led some participants in the process to note that Conneaut Lake
was 10,000 years in the making. The heritage and life of this lake and
community that grew along side of it are retold at the Conneaut Lake Area
Historical Society and visible in present days views of the lake. Surely the Park
and hotel, the roar of power boats and the seasonal homes are parts of the lake
heritage, but they are relative “newcomers” in relation to the glaciers and early
inhabitants of what would become Conneaut Lake. Not only do generations
come together at the lake but epochs of civilization as well. The suggested
recommendations essentially build on and help celebrate the Lake.
The type of lifestyle most locals involved in the planning process feel attracts
visitors is associated with the lake, in the broadest sense of the word. Surely the
boat enthusiasts, bathers and seasonal residents are important parts of that
market, but the lake is just a part of a larger outdoor enthusiasts market. The
community is identified as a “trail town” in the county greenway plan for hikers
and bikers, and is within a region associated with and marketed as
Pennsylvania's Great Lakes Region, given proximity to Lake Erie, Pymatuning
Lake and other lakes.
CBD Revitalization Concept Map
Revitalization (p. 108) is premised on becoming the pedestrian-friendly shopping
area for these water and land outdoor enthusiats. Again the lake is a defining
and unifying force, reflected in the very visible and very popular Ice House Park,
something the floating stage recommendation builds on. Streetscape and façade
recommendations deal with the aesthetic enhancements especially important to
pedestriancommercial areas. The streetscape enhancements include improved
crosswalks and parking, to emphasize that Water Street is not just somewhere to
get through but to stop, shop and relax. Commercial reuse opportunities are
iddentified that will add to the commerical choice. Signage enhancements direct
the visitor to the Town Dock, the Museum, Fireman’s Beach and other local
attractions.
105
Double Lake Tour Map
The WorkPlan makes a conscious effort to slow people down, getting them to
stay overnight, dine, relax and venture on and off of Route 6, remembering an
overnight visitor outspends a day vistor by three times. The double lake loops (p.
109) reemphasize and localize the Pennsylvania's Great Lakes Region concept.
Signage opportunities include identifying markers and interpretive panels as well.
One loop emphasizes Conneuat Lake, the Park and the immediate environment,
while the other loop links Conneaut Lake with Linesville (another Route 6
community) and the many facilities and attractions within Pymatuning State Park.
Litter Indexing Map
The map (p. 110) represents local consensus on eight (8) subareas that will be
annually reviewed by the Steering Committee to report unsightly conditions.
These were viewed as being the most visible areas to regular and casual visitors
alike.
106
Potential Historic District
SR 3
01
Meadville Junction
!
4
"Tourism" Heritage
- 100+ years
- "Dark Rides"
- Restored Hotel
& Amusements
SUMMIT TOWNSHIP
Conneaut Lake Park
!
.
g
h
gh
!
Key Node
Lynces Junction
X
Interpretive Signage
& Pull-Offs
- Mammoths
- Geographic
- Ind. Heritage
mp013
X- Hotel Sites
mp012
X
PA 618
“
Scenic Byway
Info/Kiosk
Seasonal Recreation Heritage Road Tour
Ice Age Heritage
"Conneaut Lake
10,000 Years in the Making"
Mammoth Interpretation
Archaeological Site
X
CLAHS Museum
- Historic Designation
'Liberty the Second'
- Curator Assistance
US
VERNON TOWNSHIP
mp017
X
!
Lake
’
mp018
X
mp016
X
mp015
g
hh
g
X
!
.
Community Signage
(TBD)
Key Node
2
32
6
Rt 6 East
- Link with Meadville/I-79
- Central Crawford
Development Corridor
Town
Dock
mp014Conneaut
SADSBURY TOWNSHIP
h
g
Info/Kiosk
(TBD)
Maintain Public Access
“
West Vernon
!
Ice Age Heritage
- Marsh
Potential Historic District
PA
SR 3013
PA 285
Maintain Public Access
PA
01
8
!
mp011
6
16
"Golden Age" Theme
- Historic Interpretation
Seasonal Recreation Heritage Road Tour
Rt 6 West
- Link withPymatuning
SR
30
Select Streetscape Enhancements
- Improve Key Turning Areas
- Lighting
- Signage Regulations
Rail & Canal Heritage
- Ernst Trail
- "Trail Town" Designation
28
5
GREENWOOD TOWNSHIP
Stony Point
Agricultural Heritage Road Tour
!
0
0.5
1
2
Miles
Conneaut Lake Region Tourism and Heritage
Rt 6 Corridor HCP
’
N 5th St
PA 285
Maple St
S 5th St
Reuse
Opportunity
US
N 4th St
d
32
2
R
+
(
Y
X
CLAHS
Church Ln
High St
State St
4th Alley
250
500
Conneaut Lake Rd
Parking
Intersection Improvements
Info/Kiosk
Ice House Park
6
1,000
Feet
Conneaut Lake CBD Revitalization Concept
Rt 6 Corridor HCP
CBD Revitalization Concept
Lifestyle Market - Outdoor Enthusiast and Families
SADSBURY TOWNSHIP
High St
3rd St
0
S 2nd St
Richmond St
Garden Ln
I
)
I
)
I
)
YX
X
Y
h
g
Y
X
Singage
Town Dock
R (
+
Y
X
d
Public
Access
(
"Elm Street"
Strawberry Ln
14 +/- Facade Improvements
Water St
S 3rd St
Residential Revitalization
(as needed)
+
R
(
R
+
Facade Enhancement Area
Tours
Line St
N 3rd St
6
INFILL
INFILL
Streetscape Enhancements:
- Trees/Plantings
- Sidewalks
- Signage
- Period Lighting
N 2nd St
PA 285
St
N 2nd
S 1st St
01
40
SR
X
mp004
X
Westford
!
SR 3010
mp006
!
SR 4003
PINE TOWNSHIP
X
6
0
!
X
PA 285
2.5
SADSBURY TOWNSHIP
X
Shermansville
mp011
!
mp010
X
mp012
28
5
Stony Point
!
X
!
mp014
5
Miles
!
Norrisville
X
mp016
SR 3016
SR 4007
6
X
015
X
mp018
GREENWOOD TOWNSHIP
019
FIGURE - Double Lake Loop
Rt 6 Corridor HCP
3
SR
West Vernon
!
mp017
VERNON TOWNSHIP
Watson Run
!
SR 4014
HAYFIELD TOWNSHIP
X
mp015
PA
X
!
Harmonsburg
!
2
32
S
U
6
mp013
Lynces Junction
!
Meadville Junction
!
8
SUMMIT TOWNSHIP
SUMMERHILL
TOWNSHIP
!
Dicksonburg
Double Lake Loop
SR 4005
SR 3014
mp009
X
mp008
Dantown
!
SOUTH SHENANGO TOWNSHIP WEST FALLOWFIELD TOWNSHIP
Stewartville
!
X
LINESVILLE BOROUGH
Xmp007
mp005
X
NORTH SHENANGO TOWNSHIP
mp003
CONNEAUT TOWNSHIP
Center Road
!
SR 3013
4004
1
!
3 009
PA
Conneaut CenterSR
05
SR 3
0
SR
11
30
SR
018
PA
3
SR
SR
3
01
618
4
5
Conneaut Lake Park
!
SUMMIT TOWNSHIP
8
61
PA
PA
01
!
Lynces Junction
7
8
Conneaut Lake
8
6
SADSBURY TOWNSHIP
18
mp016
mp013
6
6
PA 285
1
U
0
0.5
Conneaut Lake
!
22
S3
1
PA 285
mp014
2
4
3
mp015
2
Miles
Litter Indexing Areas
Rt 6 Corridor HCP
Interpretive Planning Statement – What Makes Conneaut Lake Unique?
The final step of the Heritage Communities Planning effort is the development of
Planning Statements that (1) embody the local heritage tourism effort and (2)
relate this heritage to the identified six themes of the Pennsylvania Route 6
Corridor, which include The Warrior’s Road, Natural Opportunities, The
Engineer’s Challenge, New Beginnings and Safe Havens, Visionaries, Achievers
and Social Entrepreneurs and Outdoor Enthusiast’s Paradise. Popular
engagement and discussions during the planning process included all of the
Route 6 themes:

Warrior’s Road: Locals identified numerous links with this theme including
early Native American settlement and contact with explorers, the French
and Indian War, a link with the American Revolution in a reported Hessian
soldier buried in a local cemetery and the nearby Keystone Ordnance
Works site.

Natural Opportunities: The settlement and development of the Conneaut
Lake area is deeply rooted in the Lake and opportunities afforded by it,
ranging from the Paleo-Indian era after the last continental glacier, ice
harvesting on the lake, canal travel and a rich agriculture heritage nature
seen in existing fields, especially large onion fields in the region. As
testimony to the agricultural heritage, locals point with pride to the
Crawford County Fair, the largest in the State.

The Engineers Challenge: The Canal and Railroad heritage are
intertwined. The Beaver and Erie Canal, a/k/a the Erie Extension Canal
(part of the Pennsylvania Canal system) and The Meadville & Linesville
Railroad (later the Bessemer & Lake Erie) occupied the towpath of the
abandoned canal were both critical in the context of the Conneaut Lake
area. Rail was especially critical for lake-related industries including the
ice harvesting so critical in pre-mechanical refrigerator America, and in
connecting Conneaut Lake area hotels and Exposition Park with the rest
of the larger region.

New Beginnings and Safe Havens: Conneaut Lake has been a “haven”
offering travelers amusement, swimming and boating opportunities since
the 19th Century, as well as a seasonal/second-home haven for just about
as long.

Visionaries, Achievers and Social Entrepreneurs: Hotel Conneaut housed
and hosted numerous celebrities such as Max Schmeling

Outdoor Enthusiasts Paradise: Clearly seen as a key theme to the
community, involving fishing and ice fishing, boating (including boat
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shows, regattas, marinas) activities at Conneaut Lake Park and linkages
with nearby lakes and State Parks.
In tourism, a brand is how a place is
perceived. That perception may be reinforced
by a logo or slogan. A brand is also a
promise, one that is “delivered on” via certain
attractions, activities and resources. This
promise may create expectations and
impressions among the public. A brand is also
a reputation that is earned, good or bad, over
a period of time and it is not invented
overnight or even rolled out.
Slogans,
advertisements and logos merely get the word out about the brand. In tourism,
brands should relate to activities and experiences, and just as they are in wellrecognized products, tourism brands should be rather unique.
Brand recognition and other reactions are created by the accumulation of
experiences with the specific product or service. Some marketers distinguish the
psychological aspect of a brand from the experiential aspect. The experiential
aspect consists of the sum of all points of contact with the brand and is known as
the brand experience. The psychological aspect, sometimes referred to as the
brand image, is a symbolic construct created within the minds of people and
consists of all the information and expectations associated with a product or
service. Thus, a brand really resides within the hearts and minds of customers,
clients, and, in this case, tourists. It is the sum total of their experiences and
perceptions, some of which you can influence, and some that you cannot.
The Conneaut Brand
Clearly the outdoor recreation especially in relation to Lake opportunities and the
Park are parts of the brand of the community, but increasingly interest in hiking
and biking are becoming popular as well. People have looked at Conneaut Lake
as a place to “get away”, relax, have fun and even party a bit. The Lake has been
responsible for most settlement and development, not just since the 19th Century
but for over 10,000 years.
Capitalizing on Pre-History
The Conneaut Lake area is uniquely suited to tell the story of the Ice Age in
Pennsylvania. The recovery of mammoth remains and the evidence of early
hunters in and around the lake provide details of a compelling story of life in
northern Pennsylvania at a time far removed from today. Because ice was also
an important story in the development of the lake (i.e. ice companies), it can be
used as a theme to build or complement events for every season. The Ice Age
theme can also be developed into educational programming (school programs,
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conferences, archaeological/paleontological studies, etc.) about climate change.
The point was made at various junctures in the planning process that Conneaut
Lake was 10,000 years in the making! In addition, the Mammoth and PaleoIndian Cultural Period (14,000–8,000 BC) lends itself to tying in with Wyalusing’s
pre-history and mammoth story (NOTE: Wyalusing is another Route 6 Heritage
Community approximately 270 miles to the east). Furthermore, it may be tied in
with an Archaeological Event such as PA Archaeology Month (October) and/or
the Annual Meeting of the PA Archaeological Council (April) by co-sponsoring
meetings or other events. Several potential allied partners include:

Society for Pennsylvania Archaeology: It was organized in 1929 to promote the
study of the prehistoric and historic archaeological resources of Pennsylvania and
neighboring states. It encourages responsible scientific research and promotes the
conservation of archaeological sites, artifacts, and information, among other roles.
Pennsylvania Archaeological Council: The Pennsylvania Archaeological Council
(PAC) is a statewide organization of professional archaeologists dedicated to
promoting Pennsylvania archaeology. The specific goals of the organization are:
o to actively promote legislation in the best interests of archaeology in the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania,
o to assist and advise state and federal agencies within the Commonwealth in
matters pertaining to historic and archaeological preservation and to
encourage the highest standards of professionalism in such matters,
o to promote informed and creative archaeological research and to provide a
vehicle for its dissemination,
o to promote the education of both the public and private sectors in all
archaeological matters,
o to establish ethical and research standards for the conduct of archaeology in
the Commonwealth, and
o to provide both scientific and moral leadership in all archaeological matters in
the Commonwealth.
PAC has great interest in the field in the cross-Atlantic migration of pre-historic
persons, a topic that appears to have some local applicability and relevance in
the Conneaut Lake area.
Power
The buzz of speedboats and the rumble of
Harleys – Conneaut Lake seems to go hand-inhand with “power”. This is not just a quiet,
peaceful lakeside retreat but also a place where
powered recreation is important. The lake can
host annual boat races or regattas for classic
speedboats as well as snowmobile races in
winter on the frozen lake.
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Marketing and Hospitality Planning Statement
The Conneaut Lake community should focus
its respective uniqueness to attract the
traveling public and strengthen itself as a
destination.
While
outdoor
adventure/recreation is abundant and the
small town quaintness is a reality, the
question still begs, “What can a traveler get
in Conneaut Lake that they cannot find in
their own backyard?”
This WorkPlan
identifies these unique qualities and
Conneaut Lake’s attractions and resources should be on the tips of every
townsperson’s tongue. Identified early on in the planning process was the need
to provide information on local and regional attractions in a consistent location.
Information should be easily available on how to get to a given attraction or
activity, the best way to experience it, and the history or story related to the
attraction.

Wayfinding signage should be incorporated into the plan and be part of the
informational system; it should be easy to read and congruent throughout
community.

The theme and its coordinated message should be center to a localized
marketing and promotion effort that is at the same time coordinated with other
regional efforts. In this case, it includes the Crawford County Convention and
Visitors Bureau, as well as the PA Route 6 Alliance. Cross promotion of
events and attractions should be both community-wide and regionally based.
Recognizing the relationship between Conneaut Lake and the larger “lake region”
is important in marketing. Conneaut Lake is a part of water-related tourism
resources of the larger region. In addition, the topography of the Pennsylvania
Great Lakes Region is unlike that of any other area along the Pennsylvania
Route 6 Corridor, reinforcing the fact that Route 6 may be a single entity but is
not a single identity. The matrix includes a number of recommendations on
getting these messages out.
Identified early on in the planning project was the need to provide information on
local and regional attractions in consistent and convenient locations.
The
WorkPlan identifies locations for informational kiosks that are a direct effort
towards uniting the many resources located in the region. The sheer size of the
area and distribution of resources defies “walkability” among all resources. Thus,
internet based marketing coupled with accessible informational kiosks are
identified
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Regional and Local Promotions
The WorkPlan suggests a combined effort that both ties in with those of the
Crawford County Convention and Visitors Bureau and further develops local
promotional efforts. Websites continue to grow in importance in tourism
promotions, and the recommendations in the Implementation Matrix reflect this.

Reach and maintain local consensus among businesses, the Park and local officials
on the concept of Conneaut Lake’s Golden Age or Ages (i.e. turn of the 20th Century
and 1950’s) as a focal point in conveying a consistent message and identity;
Conneaut Lake should be active in the promotions of the Crawford County
Convention and Visitors Bureau, with possible representation on the Board of
Directors. This arrangement will afford the communities the opportunity to participate
in other state, regional and local efforts.
Create a multi-day itinerary using Double Lake Loop Tours as the unifying force for
activities and visits to the area. The tour brings together the lake, CLP and
agricultural experiences. In all cases, the experience not necessarily the
locations/towns should be emphasized.
The itinerary should be posted on local/regional websites and provided to all local
and regional marketing affiliates.
Create a small 4x9 brochure with the itineraries and suggestions for other visits, with
brochure costs: design and printing of limited copies (i.e. $3,000-$5,000).
Incorporate National Tourism Week (1st full week of May) into the school curriculum
by inviting business owners, Crawford County Convention and Visitors Bureau staff
and local tourism experts to speak about the importance of tourism to high school
students.
Coordinate with the Conneaut School District in the development of curriculum for a
local history course.
Highlight successful businesses through an awards and recognition program.
Maintain participation in the Litter Index in the Keep America Beautiful Program.
Cross Promotions
Businesses should be encouraged to cross promote their products, services and
offerings.

Local motels and attractions are recommended to agree on joint packaging, even
cooperatively advertising their product. Attractions should not be limited to physical
places. Guide services, artisans and other specialists can offer their services or
learning experiences to lodging guests.
Promotions are recommended to reflect the “Golden Age” themes noted in the
Implementation Matrix.
Certain events and attractions draw sizable crowds, giving the opportunity to connect
to those events and attractions and offer something downtown to attract the visitor.
For example, special sales and activities coinciding with these signature events.
Development and placement of kiosks at prominent locations near downtown, CLP
and along Route 18.
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Web Presence
In addition to web-based tourism promotions, a greater presence of 271+/- area
tourism resources on searchable websites, since many are not on existing bases
or are not searchable to small community level. These include no less than:

84 accommodations/food services
62 arts, entertainment and recreation providers
125 tourism-oriented retail establishments
Wayfinding Planning Statement
Planning by the Pennsylvania Tourism Office’s notes the importance of installing
tourist-friendly signage as part of a tourism development and promotion effort. A
relatively new approach has been developed that replaces the Tourism-Oriented
Directional Signage on State highways. The State signage will let people know
where they are (i.e. identify regions, local communities and attractions).
Wayfinding signing at a local level is a way to provide a systematic network of
directional signs to guide the traveling public from major highway gateways to
key civic, cultural, regional and commercial destinations using the minimum
number of signs. It is designed to coincide with regional tourism marketing. A
common signing program for the multi-municipal region was a recommendation
that grew out of the public participation process for this Heritage Communities
Program. A few guiding principles for wayfinding are summarized below:

Wayfinding needs are best resolved during initial planning stages through a
collaborative effort by all design professionals, architects, designers and sign
makers, to address a project's total environmental communication.
Graphics, such as signs, color-coding, maps, banners, brochures and Websites,
provide orientation, direction, identification and regulatory information.
Provide standardized "you are here" maps of the project that include an overall map
of the complex and more detailed maps of specific areas.
Local tourism resources should be designated by directional signage that includes a
common logo, directional arrow and distance.
The challenges to current resource signing in general include lack of uniformity,
message overload, sign redundancy, poor image for tourists, lack of
effectiveness/prioritization, lack of background context, and lack of maintenance.
Signage System
Color/symbol coded resource signage for the resources, keyed to the following
groups:

Natural/Environmental resources– public and private sites
Sporting resources – fishing, cycling, ATV, hiking, swimming, boating, etc.
Community Life resources – churches, library, etc.
Industrial/Commercial resources – past/present businesses and sites
Historic Sites – museums, architecturally significant buildings, etc.
Tourism Services resources – visitors centers, accommodations and food services,
tourism-oriented retail/services, etc.
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Locally eligible attractions typically included in wayfinding efforts are summarized
as follows:
commercial attractions such as the downtown, Route 18 business district,
roadside markets and other signature specialty shopping;
cultural/historical attractions such as the Margaret Shontz Memorial Library,
Conneaut Lake Area Museums, Conneaut Lake area schools;
historical/architectural attractions such as the historic Hotel Conneaut;
recreational attractions such as campgrounds, golf courses, trails, horseback
riding areas, Conneaut lake Park, Ice House Park, Fireman’s Beach and the
Lake;
tourist services such as the motels on Route 618; and
transportation facilities such as marinas, the Town Dock, the Double Lake
Loop Tours.
Typically, signed attractions shall be open to all persons regardless of race,
color, religion, ancestry, sex, age or handicap; be clean and pleasing in
appearance, maintained in good repair; and comply with all applicable code
regulations and statutes for public accommodations; be open to the general
public a minimum of 30 days per calendar year; and provide sufficient parking
and an on-premise sign readily visible from the highway. Signage efforts should
consider a signage partnership with attractions benefiting to meet installation,
design and maintenance costs.
Heritage Resource Development/Community Needs Planning Statement
Physical improvements alone will not assure success in the Conneaut Lake area
becoming better tourist destinations; however their role in establishing and
reinforcing the community context should not be underestimated. This WorkPlan
proposes a number of community and developmental initiatives that not only
make these communities better places to visit but a better place in which to live.
These strategic enhancements attempt to improve the visual quality and “lure
concept” by concentrating activities that reinforce the unique qualities of the
community. Based on the review of input, discussion and field conditions, the
development and community recommendations focus on the following:

Downtown revitalization efforts in the form of a “Main Street-types” of
activities, particularly in the form of enhancements to the streetscape, select
commercial facades, parking identification enhancements, traffic
safety/calming and other Town revitalization Program components identified
on the implementation matrix;

A companion residential revitalization effort in the form of an “Elm Street-type”
of program focused generally on portions of High and Line Streets in Galeton;

Gateway signage at strategic intersections leading into the community;
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Consideration of the identification and nomination of areas as National
Register Historic Districts in the Borough and within Conneaut Lake Park;

Streetscape and façade enhancements focused on the three-block area
sustaining the downtown business area;

Adopting the Trail Town concept as recommended in the Crawford County
Greenway plan, involving mid- and long-term improvements as identified ion
the implementation matrix;

Curatorial and financial assistance for the Conneaut Lake Area Historical
Society Museum, as identified on the implementation matrix;

Enhancements to Conneaut Lake Park and immediate environs on
emphasizing revitalization that emphasizes a ‘retro” feel, as identified on the
implementation matrix;

The reuse of three (3) vacant buildings at two critical locations (1st Street and
4th Street) as well as in-fill development of the former Conneaut Lake
Navigation Company site; and
The Lake is the unique factor of the area in terms of historic significance and
recreational opportunities. The limited public access inhibits it from becoming
more of a unifying force. One major recommendation growing out of the
planning charrette is the development of a covered floating stage adaptable
for concerts near Ice House Park, Conneaut Lake Park and other potential
venues along the lakeshore.
The specific types of projects and activities recommended are summarized on
the graphics displayed earlier in this section.
Select Funding Sources
Given their relevance and significance, a few descriptive remarks on a number of
State programs are in order.
Main Street
According to the National Trust for Historic Preservation Main Street Center, the
Main Street approach includes the following:

Organization involves getting everyone working toward the same goal and
assembling the appropriate human and financial resources to implement a Main
Street revitalization program. A governing board and standing committees make up
the fundamental organizational structure of the volunteer-driven program.
Promotion sells a positive image of the commercial district and encourages
consumers and investors to live, work, shop, play and invest in the Main Street
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district. By marketing a district's unique characteristics to residents, investors,
business owners, and visitors, an effective promotional strategy forges a positive
image through advertising, retail promotional activity, special events, and marketing
campaigns carried out by local volunteers.
Design means getting Main Street into top physical shape. Capitalizing on its best
assets — such as historic buildings and pedestrian-oriented streets — is just part of
the story. An inviting atmosphere, created through attractive window displays,
parking areas, building improvements, street furniture, signs, sidewalks, street lights,
and landscaping, conveys a positive visual message about the commercial district
and what it has to offer.
Economic Restructuring strengthens a community's existing economic assets while
expanding and diversifying its economic base. The Main Street program helps
sharpen the competitiveness of existing business owners and converting unused or
underused commercial space into economically productive property also helps boost
the profitability of the district.
Many communities focus on the design phase that is understandable (and
important) but there is more to the process. The Main Street Approach is
predicated on the following:

Emphasis on Multi-Functional Uses: Downtowns have always housed a wide variety
of functions, such as shopping, services, professional offices, hotels, churches,
housing, entertainment, the arts, libraries, dining, government offices, and more.
Different functions bring different types of people downtown at different times of the
day and week, thereby increasing the volume and distribution of downtown activity
levels.
Enhancement of Sense of Place: Most downtown development efforts now recognize
the value of possessing a strong sense of place. A sense of place serves to create
an inviting downtown that encourages people to linger and is distinctive from other
settings that suffer from generic settings (i.e., shopping malls, big box retailers, strip
malls).
Use of Private/Public Partnerships: The partnering of private and public interests and
resources has become a dominant feature of successful downtown development. An
active and well-organized downtown association can help downtown businesses and
property owners work together towards their mutual benefit, serve as a unified voice
representing downtown interests, and engage in marketing, promotions, business
recruitment, and event coordination.
Attention to Promotional Activities: The promotion of downtown attractions,
businesses, and events has become a major dimension of downtown development
today. Promotions are usually spearheaded by the downtown organization.
The following list outlines the categories of activities that can be funded through
the Main Street Program in Pennsylvania.

Main Street Designation – Personnel and other administrative costs including
administration of Façade Improvement grants; typically declining annual grants
ranging from $50,000 - $30,000 over a five-year period;
Planning Grants – Planning grants up to $25,000 with a 50% match required.
Façade Improvement Grants - Main Street designation participants may apply for a
maximum grant of $30,000 for design assistance in each of the second, third, fourth
and fifth years of their designation. Non-designated communities may develop a
local Façade Improvement program that at a minimum matches the DCED grant
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dollar-for-dollar with locally-generated funds. Investments by individual property
owners may. The total recommended maximum Façade Improvement grant per
property owner should not exceed $5,000 per property.
Anchor Building Grants – Renovations to a significant downtown building usually
provided as a grant to the applicant and as a loan to the developer. Funding
assistance is available up to $500,000 covering up to 30% of the total project cost.
Downtown Reinvestment Grants – Acquisition or rehabilitation of commercial
structures, improving public sites in a commercial target area, streetscape projects,
and other construction costs determined to be a part of a larger project necessary for
the revitalization of a downtown area.
Funding assistance is available up to
$500,000 with a 50% match required.
Conneaut Lake is encouraged to work within
the Main Street Program approach of DCED,
either formally or at least via an effort emulating
the four-point approach noted above.
Promotion is an important part of this approach.
Concurrent with and related to promotion,
efforts to (1) attract more businesses to the
downtown district and (2) coordinating hours for
shops, stores and attractions are suggested.
Elm Street Approach
Elm Street is similar DCED program, primarily involved in residential
revitalization, with the following goals:

Revitalization of residential corridors that approach the downtown commercial
districts by improving exterior appearance of buildings and streetscape;
Formalize the connection between the residential neighborhoods and downtown
revitalization;
Prevent neighborhood decline by developing a plan that includes a sustainable
community organization that will implement the 5-year strategy; and
Assist municipalities in preparing and implementing a revitalization strategy in
proximity to a Main Street Program/commercial district.
The reasoning behind the program is that our restored downtown commercial
areas will be far more attractive to visitors and customers if the neighborhoods
adjacent to them are just as appealing. Elm Street follows a five-point approach
(i.e. organization, promotion, design, clean/green/safe activities and
neighborhood restructuring) similar to the Main Street four-point approach. In the
case of Conneaut Lake Borough, the recommended streetscape, residential and
façade enhancements along High and Line Streets pose opportunities for a
concerted Elm Street or Residential Revitalization approach that offers financial
incentives for minor exterior revitalization and associated streetscape
enhancements. The Residential Reinvestment Grant portion of the program may
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be used to carry out physical improvements within an established residential
neighborhood that is characterized as follows:

within ½ mile from a commercial district
pedestrian-oriented and dominated by traditional older buildings, preferably within a
local historic district or National Registered Historic District which has existed as a
residential neighborhood since before 1961
in need of revitalization
there is a connection between the planned activity and the downtown or the Main
Street revitalization the community must have an acceptable Comprehensive
Strategic Plan in place that includes the proposed project as a priority.
In the past, typical Elm Street grant sizes have been in the range from $50,000 to
$250,000 but could be higher depending on the project and other factors.
Leveraging with other funds makes the project more competitive. Overall,
eligible activities are projects that help eliminate decline within the community's
traditional residential district and may include

Infrastructure and structural improvements including but not limited to streets, street
lights, trees, exteriors of buildings and sidewalks or other pedestrian oriented
features.
Structural improvements of buildings for mixed use;
Acquisition of properties that could have historical significance through a subsidized
loan program in conjunction with local financial institutions to encourage increased
home ownership;
Facade improvement grants for exteriors, such as painting, siding, coverings, design
assistance, and historically accurate improvements, limited to $5,000 per property.
Façade improvements are possible for non-residential buildings and rental properties
but must be matched. There are some matching requirements for homeowners
whose income is 115% of the median income for the community.
Other activities including acquisition, demolition, code violation,
corrections and
improvements, emergency housing repairs, ADA ramps, passive “pocket parks” and
others.
Land Use Planning and Technical Assistance Program (LUPTAP)
This program provides funds for the preparation of community comprehensive
plans and the land use/land development ordinances to implement them. Typical
uses include preparing and updating of comprehensive community development
plans, policies and implementing mechanisms such as zoning ordinances,
subdivision regulations, functional plans such as downtown revitalization, water
resource plans and land development regulations. While there are no minimum
or maximum amounts, a 50% match required. In addition, priority is given to any
county government acting on behalf of its municipalities, any group of two or
more municipalities, or a body authorized to act on behalf of two or more
municipalities. Given recent budgetary cuts, competition for very limited LUPTAP
funding is very keen.
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PA DCNR Trails Programs
The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR)
administers various programs of relevance to the types identified in this Plan.
These potential resources include the following programs administered by the
DCNR Bureau of Recreation and Conservation:

C2P2 Community Recreation and Conservation: Community Recreation and
Conservation grants are awarded to municipalities and authorized nonprofit
organizations for recreation, park and conservation projects. These include the
rehabilitation and new development of parks and recreation facilities (development
projects); acquisition of land for active or passive park and conservation purposes
(acquisition projects); and planning for feasibility studies, trails studies, conservation
plans, site development planning, and comprehensive recreation, greenway and
open space planning . Most projects require a 50% match except for some technical
assistance grants and development projects eligible as small community projects
whose total project cost is $60,000 or less. The small community development
projects provide a municipal applicant with a population of 5,000 or less with an
alternate method of funding with a focus on playground rehabilitation to meet current
safety and accessibility standards.
C2P2 Land Trust Projects: Land Trust grants are awarded to plan for and acquire
open space, critical habitat and natural areas. Eligible applicants include prequalified land trusts and conservancies. Land trust projects require a 50% cash
match and/or land donation value. Priority is given to protecting critical habitat.
C2P2 Pennsylvania Recreational Trails: Eligible applicants include Federal and
state agencies, local governments, appropriate/authorized organizations and forprofit enterprises.
o Funding Distribution – 30% of the money received annually must be for uses
related to motorized recreation, 30% for uses related to non-motorized
recreation and 40% to facilitate diverse recreational trail use within a
recreational trail corridor.
o Matching - Funding assistance is an 80/20 matching ratio, except for
acquisition projects, which will be a 50/50 matching ratio.
o Eligible Costs – Funds may be used for Maintenance and Restoration of
existing recreational trails; Development and Rehabilitation of trail-side and
trail-head facilities and trail linkages for recreational trails; Purchase and
Lease of recreational trail construction and maintenance equipment;
Construction of new recreational trails; Acquisition of Easements/Fee Simple
Title to Property for Trails; and Operation of Educational Programs to
promote safety and environmental protection related to trails (limited to 5% of
available funds).
C2P2 Rails-to-Trails: Projects under this type involve the development of studies
(feasibility, master site development and special purpose), land acquisition, and the
development of abandoned railroad rights-of-way for trail purposes under rail
banking. Development includes construction of trails and associated structures, as
well as support facilities, such as trail heads, access roads, parking areas,
interpretive facilities and comfort facilities. Related facilities, such as walks, lighting,
landscaping and signage for trail use, are eligible.
C2P2 Snowmobile/ATV: Snowmobile/All Terrain Vehicle grants are awarded to
assist with the planning, acquisition, construction, renovation and maintenance of
areas and facilities for snowmobile and all terrain vehicle (ATV) use, the purchase or
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lease of equipment for construction and maintenance for such work and
development of educational materials and programs. Special Requirements and
Conditions
o Eligible development projects on lands not owned by the Commonwealth –
Funding assistance is available to municipalities, profit and nonprofit
organizations for the construction, rehabilitation, and maintenance of
snowmobile and ATV trails.
o Eligible development on lands owned by the Commonwealth – Funding
assistance is available only to profit and non-profit organizations (not
municipalities), for rehabilitation and maintenance (not construction) of
existing snowmobile and/or ATV trails on property owned by the
Commonwealth (e.g. State Parks, State Forests).
o Funding assistance, for all but acquisition project, is an 80% Commonwealth
and 20% grantee matching ratio while the ration for acquisition is 50/50.
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Community WorkPlan
Pennsylvania Route 6 Alliance
2010