Lancaster unveils trails plan
Lancaster County released its first parks and trails master plan since 1992 aiming to expand access and recreation across the county — a major local push for more trails and green space. Nearby Adirondack grants were also announced to fund trail upgrades and accessibility projects this spring. (lancasteronline.com — adirondackdailyenterprise.com)
County commissioners contracted Philadelphia design firm OLIN for the plan at $199,000, with the fee drawn from the county’s American Rescue Plan Act allocation after a competitive bid process. (oneunitedlancaster.com) Lancaster Planning hosted an open house March 19 at the Lancaster County Public Safety Training Center and set a public comment deadline of April 10, 2026 for the draft plan posted on the county planning website. (lancastercountyplanning.org) Principal planner Michael Domin told county officials the draft prioritizes investing in and enlarging existing “core parks” and improving regional trail connections, with residents specifically asking for links such as the Conewago and Northwest River Trail connections. (fox43.com) County materials and planners list recent additions that the master plan will build on, including Speedwell Forge County Park, Money Rocks County Park, the Theodore A. Parker III Natural Area, the Northwest River Trail, and the Enola Low Grade Rail Trail. (oneunitedlancaster.com) In the region, New York DEC announced $3.284 million in Adirondack Park Community Smart Growth grants to 26 projects on March 11, 2026 to support recreation, housing and infrastructure across the park. (dec.ny.gov) Round‑8 award details show trail-specific grants that underscore the regional push for accessible trails: $100,000 to the Adirondack Ski Touring Council for the final phase of East Branch mountain bike trails in Keene; $125,000 to the Town of St. Armand to modernize and expand Mount Pisgah’s summer trail system; $35,264 for Paul Smith’s College visitor‑center accessibility; and $68,000 to Lewis County for trail grooming equipment. (fr.dec.ny.gov)
