Perryopolis Parks and Recreation Authority
A brief history ofThe Perryopolis Parks and Recreation Authority, an Independent Authority NOT supported by taxpayer dollars. Everyone associated with the Authority are
ALL Volunteers
In March of 1969 The Perryopolis Area Historical Society exhibited a letter from the CEO of the state Recreation and Conservation Division suggesting that the Perryopolis
Borough Council should form an authority. .This authority is mandated to promote historical and recreation facilities in Perryopolis.Forming the Authority would allow this group to be eligible for various state and federal grants, and other funding sources.The original 50 year charter expired in May 2019. The Gue House was the first property purchased by the Historical Society (1967) as one of the oldest buildings in town, a two story log house c.1820. The society used this building for their headquarters, a museum and a country store. The Perryopolis Lions made a $4000.00 donation toward the purchase from Dr, B.L. In 1975, measurements of the original log house were taken, then the building was torn down. A new structure was rebuilt to those specifications and was completed in time for our nation's bicentennial celebration1976. The following is a list of properties that comprise the Perryopolis Parks and Recreation
February 24, 1968 the property was purchased from June Smith the six acres included the 1776 grist mill, the distillery site (c1810) and the (c.1890) bakery areas. June 4, 1968 the fulling mill property (c.1820) was purchased from Kerr Hixenbaugh, which included 5.6 acres and the building. The Perryopolis Lions Club provided funds to purchase this property. The above three properties were purchased by the Perryopolis Area Historical Society. After the formation of the Perryopolis Parks and Recreation Authority in 1969, these deeds were transferred to the authority. June 9,1970 The Perryopolis Parks and Recreation Authority purchased 68 acres from the McClanahan/Falbo/Sisley families. February 1971, The Perryopolis Parks and Recreation Authority purchased 27 acres from the McClanahan/Sisley family along Layton Road. February 15,1975 The Perryopolis Parks and Recreation Authority purchased 7.3 acres from the Kalman/Griglak family. The First National Bank of Perryopolis (the first bank west of the Allegheny Mountains) building was purchased from Rose Vernon in 1991 by the Perryopolis Parks and Recreation Authority. The building was renovated (2014) to create the Perryopolis Area History Museum, which includes the following sections. The History Museum displays the history of the area. A genealogy section includes area family histories. A Children’s museum is also available on the second floor. The Mary Fuller Frazier birthplace home was purchased with funds from the Frazier Estate. The Perryopolis Area Heritage Society, in 1996 also constructed Fort Trail,a replica of a (c.1774) blockhouse.This is a replica of the one used by Washington’s partner for protection against hostile Native Americans during the two years the gristmill was being built. The Perryopolis Area Heritage Society had the foundation of the gristmill rebuilt in 1992; the 3-story framework was completed in 1999. The water wheel was added in 2003. Shreve’s 1790 era distillery foundation was reconstructed in 1991 and the upper framework was completed in 1994. Dr. Harry Sampey donated funds for a pavilion and restroom. The pavilion is rented for family and organization functions. Karolick Park is located at the corner of Liberty and Circle streets. Many pictures have been taken by the gazebo for school functions, such as prom. Weddings have also taken place there. This property was donated by the Karolick family. Many projects were done over the years by different groups. Some were successful and others didn’t follow through with the upkeep of the buildings after reconstitution. The Perryopolis Parks and Recreation also owns the Perryopolis Senior center and provides the maintenance for the property. The Perryopolis Parks and Recreation Authority (PPRA) Vision for the Washington Run Park
The PPRA plans to restore and make operational the pre-industrial historic structures along Washington Run and delineate a historic district for nomination to the National Register of Historic Places. The historic district consists of Washington Grist Mill (1776), Shreve’s Distillery (c.1810), Searinhts’ Fulling Mill (c.1815). A late 19th century bakery. And the (c.1800) stone residence of the miller, currently under restoration by a new owner. The district will connect to the Great Allegheny Passage Trail via a trail extension (0.9 mile) with a trail head at a parking area located directly across Washington Run from the grist mill (entails removal of an artificial mount which will open up a view of the mill complex from Layton Road). The PPRA envisages Perryopolis becoming a “Trail Town”, with facilities to service bikers and tourists who will be attracted to this one-of-a-kind intact pre-industrial site which was established as a result of George Washington’s decision to build a grist mill. Steps to Realizing the Vision
Step A - Redirect stormwater run-off from the town and park, which has an adverse impact on the distillery and the grist mill, (with the installation of a new and larger culvert system which will move the water northeast of the mill complex). Also create easier public access with the installation of a new and gradually sloping walkway from the park to the mill complex.The estimated cost for this step is $84,000.00 and a grant for $64,000.00 was acquired from The Fayette County Local Share Account and the remaining $20,000.00 from the Parks Authority
Step B - Secure cost estimates from Byler & Sons (Amish builders) for the restoration of the four major structures along Washington Run. The restoration estimates will range between $175,000.00 to $200,000.00. Shreve’s Distillery
Washington’s Grist Mill
The Bakery will be restored to the original two story building
Searights’ Fulling Mill
The Parks and Recreation Authority will be working with the Fayette County Cultural Trust to secure funding from regional foundations. Step C - Remove the artificial dirt mout along Layton Road, install a parking area and extend the trailhead from the Great Allegheny Passage Trail to the mill complex in cooperation with PennDOT and the Layton Bridge Project. Recreation activities at the park Several local organizations have been using the Annex section in the back portion of the park. They have meetings,learn the outdoor skills and continue assisting with the upkeep of that area. A few local recreation groups have approached the authority about using portions of the property and we are working with them to complete their objectives. Parks Build Community
