Operation Recreation
Washington PA Observer Reporter
3 August 2011
By Emily Petsko, Staff writer
newsroom@observer-reporter.com
FREDERICKTOWN - The blue bass emblem seen throughout downtown
Fredericktown is simply a decoration to visitors, but to residents it
means much more.
The new mascot is part of the Maxwell Basin Recreation Area's campaign
to create an identity for Fredericktown and Millsboro.
Establishing outdoor recreation as a theme to unite the community is
just one of the four goals MBRA has set since its inception last year.
The group also plans to clean up the area, bring business back to
downtown Fredericktown and use funds strategically to benefit the
community.
When a plan that East Bethlehem Township adopted in 2008 was never put
into action, BeeGraphix company President Dennis Slagle decided to take
matters into his own hands.
"Thirty people spent a year to develop this program, put a lot of time
and effort into it and got some good ideas, but nothing was happening,"
Slagle said.
Slagle held a meeting in February 2010 with East Bethlehem Commissioner
Paul Battaglini and the owners of three other local businesses - Greene
Cove Yacht Club, Bower Brothers and The Riviera - to discuss a plan of
action. The group brainstormed ideas for events to bring visitors to
the area and agreed that outdoor recreation should be the primary focus.
"The only thing that can provide sustainable economic growth for this
area is recreation," Slagle said. "It's never going to be a coal mining
industry town again, but the river and the Ten Mile Creek are always
there."
The name for MBRA was modeled after the Maxwell Pool, which is the
longest stretch between locks on the Monongahela River.
"It's over 20 miles long," Slagle said, adding that the pool is the
ideal location for boating, fishing and water sports.
Beginning last year, local businesses hosted an annual Ferry Boat
Festival, as well as Rockin' on the Mon, a gathering of boats and a
live band on the river.
The group isn't all about fun and games, though. MBRA recently
partnered with River Towns, a private organization that helps to
revitalize towns along the upper Monongahela. Together, they hope to
improve the area both aesthetically and economically.
"River Towns will help us from an outsider's perspective," Slagle said.
River Towns helps to point out some issues that Fredericktown residents
have become oblivious to over the years, such as the Christmas lights
that hang on telephone poles year-round.
"Those who live here probably no longer see them, but it's almost the
first thing you see when you come into town," said Cathy McCollom,
representative of River Towns. "You notice those right away, even if
they aren't lit."
The chamber of commerce last month approved the group's proposal to
replace the lights in spring with banners, but there are some legal
issues that need to be resolved regarding hiring contractors to carry
out the job.
MBRA and River Towns meet together every other month. At July's
meeting, four primary projects were announced.
The priority is to find a business owner to open a gas station in town.
The abandoned Taylor's gas station at the edge of town is an eyesore,
as well as a reminder of the frustration locals face driving six miles
to fill their tanks.
The groups would also like to revitalize the 17-acre Clyde Mine site on
Route 88. Several parties have expressed interest in purchasing the
land, which could be used for river access, commercial use or the
construction of a gas station, public park or senior housing.
A sidewalk improvement plan is also under way, and the groups are
creating a marketing strategy to attract business and visitors.
This month there will be a beach volleyball tournament, a bachelor
auction, Rockin' on the Mon and a dock dogs competition at Greene Cove
Yacht Club. Slagle is anticipating at least 80 dogs from other areas
will compete. The preliminary round will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday,
and the championship round will be held Sunday at a time to be
determined.
Since MBRA was founded, the events have grown. Slagle estimates that
5,000 people came to watch the fireworks this year, and that's just
those who were watching from land. Boats dotted the river as far as the
eye could see.
Slagle hopes community participation will continue to grow. MBRA and
River Towns also plan on creating a proposal to submit for
consideration for Washington County's local share of slots revenue. If
granted money, the group will expand the public access boat docks and
replace the 50-year-old gabion boxes on river embankments.
For more information on upcoming events, visit MBRA's website at http://www.maxwellbasin.com.