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Allegheny River Headwaters Watershed Conservation Plan

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<strong>Allegheny</strong> <strong>River</strong> <strong>Headwaters</strong> <strong>Conservation</strong> <strong>Plan</strong><br />

Chapter 5. Cultural Resources<br />

CHAPTER 5. CULTURAL RESOURCES<br />

This section provides an overview of the culture of the <strong>Allegheny</strong> <strong>River</strong> headwaters region by<br />

examining the historical and recreational resources available within the area. Included in this section is a<br />

summary of recreational opportunities, environmental education efforts, an historical overview, and an<br />

inventory of historical sites located throughout the region.<br />

Located within the Pennsylvania Wilds, the headwaters of the <strong>Allegheny</strong> <strong>River</strong> region boasts of<br />

numerous recreational activities that may charm people of all ages and backgrounds. The region is an<br />

asset; with a well-managed and balanced tourism industry, it appeals to visitors and local citizens, while<br />

protecting the original character of the region.<br />

Recreation<br />

Any activity conducted for amusement during leisure<br />

time is considered recreation. In Pennsylvania, recreation<br />

and tourism are big business, ranked as the second leading<br />

industry. For some areas in Pennsylvania, it is the only<br />

industry. Recreation brings in revenue from tourists seeking<br />

food, accommodations, and mementos of their visit to the<br />

area.<br />

Recreation is not only beneficial to the economy, but to<br />

the health of citizens and visitors of the region. Recreation<br />

is essential to improving quality of life, building strong<br />

Children on the playground at Roulette<br />

Township Park<br />

families and communities, and reducing health care, social services, police, and justice costs. Individuals<br />

who partake in recreational endeavors have more active lifestyles and have a reduced potential for selfdestruction<br />

and anti-social behaviors (Panorma Recreation, 2004).<br />

There are a variety of recreational facilities throughout the project area. Figure 5-1 displays the<br />

location of these facilities, which include a fitness trail, ball fields, and playgrounds.<br />

Parks<br />

Among the 44 parks within the project area, there is a great diversity of resources. Some parks are<br />

passive, not offering any facilities other than untouched open space, while others have picnic pavilions<br />

and playgrounds to entertain visitors. The region includes a variety of unique parks including a model<br />

airplane flying field and a sky diving center.<br />

Parks within the region are classified into four categories based upon size, service population, and<br />

intended use. In addition to being identified on Figure 5-1, park sites and their amenities are identified in<br />

Appendix N.<br />

Regional parks<br />

Regional parks are located within 30–60 minutes of the population they serve, and they typically<br />

offer a variety of amenities Hamlin Lake Park, Callahan Park, and Coudersport Area Recreation Park<br />

(CARP Park) are regional parks. The Potter and McKean County Fairgrounds are also deemed regional<br />

parks, although their use is limited to organized events, such as county fairs.<br />

5-1

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