COLUMBIA RIVER PARK Prepared by EPD LLC

River Park Phase III Expansion Project

Situated along the Susquehanna River in Columbia, PA, a historically-rich site features canal remains, notable bridge
piers, and natural water outfalls. Thousands of visitors currently flock to the park to access the Northwest Lancaster
County River Trail, a 14-mile hiking and biking trail. Today, the Park is in its third phase of development for the
10.82 acres of land which is purely open space and river shoreline. The Master Plan will address the shoreline of the
Susquehanna River and Columbia River Park’s previous phases of development. Programmatic drivers such as access
into the park, dealing with the immediate, industrial neighbors and responding to the results of the Community
Survey will also drive conceptual design.

Survey Results to Date

Over the past 6 months, hundreds of residents – nearly 600! – have answered the call for involvement by responding
to the Phase III Expansion Survey and/or participated in one of the community events that had a forum to discussion
the Phase III expansion project. When asked how important the improvements and additions were for each category,
respondents rated active recreation improvements more important to Phase III than the non-active features. Further,
some Survey respondents identified additional improvements they would like to see within the Park. The majority
of this input focused on food vendors/food trucks, trails, outdoor activities, historical-related activities/educational
programs, an amphitheater, fishing-related access/parking, bridge (connecting to areas outside of the Park), a
boardwalk, a skatepark, expanded parking and bicycling-related updates.

Concept Alternatives
The input received thus far from the community, whether it be from the Expansion Survey or other forms of
feedback, has steered the exploration of multiple concepts and consideration in the Phase III development of the
Park. A series of three initial concept alternatives has been designed to layout the Park’s expansion in different
manners and by incorporate different improvements. In sum, the concept alternatives introduce the following as new
amenities within the expanded park. Design elements interpreting and celebrating the Park’s past historical context/
aspects are also being built into the concept alternatives. Incorporating Columbia’s most notable and significant
historical events into the overall design of the Park provides an opportunity to make the Park authentic and unique
to Columbia.
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a The Grand Lawn g Overlook m Stone Wall

b The Gardens h Floating Stage
c The Front Porch with Swings i Railroad Access Gate
d Large Play Area j Barrier Free Water Access
e Patio & Cafe k Swing
f Amphitheater l Rock Amphitheater Seating

Concept Plan - Option 1

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a The Grassy Meadow g Overlook m Rock Amphitheater Seating i

b Restored Woodlot h Floating Stage
c The Promontory i Pedestrian Bridge
d Small Play Area j Barrier Free Water Access
e Patio & Cafe k Ornamental Metal Fence/Story Wall/Mural
f Amphitheater l Netting Area

Concept Plan - Option 2

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Meadow
Canal Wall Observation Area
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Overlook
Floating Stage
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Bike Station
Upper Stage
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c Podium Seating & Hammock Deck i Railroad Access Road o Rock Amphitheater Seating
d Large Play Area j Barrier Free Water Access
e Plaza & Cafe k Seating Area
f Amphitheater l The River Hammock

Concept Plan - Option 3

Help us complete a short survey
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ColumbiaParkSurvey