Name That Trail
Rail Trail Authority Seeks Public Input

Ninety-seven years after engineer Samuel Masmer ran the first trolley car from York to Hanover along the York Railways Company "Hanover Fast Line," the York County Rail Trail Authority is asking for public suggestions to name a rail-to-trail proposed for development along the historic corridor. The project would bring recreational opportunities to the boroughs of Spring Grove and Hanover as well as linking rural areas in Jackson and Penn Townships to the trail system. A connection to the very popular Heritage Rail Trail is also planned.

"The time seems right", said Authority Chairman Carl Knoch, "to involve the public in the naming of this trail." The Authority seeks a name that will reflect the history of the corridor while identifying the trail's location both in the county and state.

The initial 19-mile York Hanover line was opened on February 29, 1908. By 1910, the York Railways Company provided trolley transportation from York to outlying destinations such as Hanover, Dover, York Haven, Wrightsville, Bittersville, and numerous communities along these routes. The popularity of automobile and bus travel brought trolley transport along the York Hanover route to an end in 1939, but a 1977 agreement between York County and Metropolitan Edison preserved the corridor for future conversion to a recreational trail.

The recent completion of a 2004 User Survey and Economic Impact Study of the Heritage Rail Trail County Park demonstrates the effect a trail can have to revitalizing town centers through stimulation of trail-related business. "We're looking for a name that will appeal to future visitors of the trail, telling them something unique that this trail has to offer," added Chairman Knoch.

Suggestions for the trail name should be forwarded to the York County Rail Trail Authority, PO Box 335, Seven Valleys, PA 17360 by February 17, 2005. The winning entry will be recognized at the February 21st business meeting of the Authority held at 7 PM at 45 Cherry Street in Seven Valleys, PA.

CONTACT FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Gwen Loose, Project Coordinator at (717) 428-0999 or info@yorkcountytrails.org