Tag Archives: City Island

PennDOT closer to Market Street Bridge rehab plan, adds separate utility bridge

May 20, 2022 | by Lawrance Binda

The Market Street Bridge, from Harrisburg

The future of the Market Street Bridge appears to be coming into focus, as the PA Department of Transportation seems to be settling on a rehabilitation plan.

On Friday, PennDOT stated that it expects to move ahead with “modified Option 1,” which adds a new utility bridge to the previously announced plan.

“PennDOT has selected to proceed further with the design and environmental clearance based on a modified Option 1 with the addition of a separate utility bridge to relocate all utilities to reduce the overall construction time” according to the department’s announcement.

Last January, PennDOT unveiled three possible plans for the $63.8 million, multi-year project and asked for public comment. The plan now proposed came about as a result of that comment, PennDOT said.

Option 1 maintains the current, four 10-foot lanes for both the “eastern” bridge, which spans the Susquehanna River from Harrisburg to City Island, and the “western” bridge, from City Island to the west shore.

Smoother sidewalk surfaces would be provided for each bridge. Metal hatches would be removed from the sidewalk areas, and the sidewalks will be replaced.

For the western bridge, two 7-foot sidewalks, along with 2-foot shoulders, would be constructed, which would provide additional space for bicyclists and a buffer area between vehicles and pedestrians on the sidewalks. Additional bicycle signage and pavement markings, such as sharrows, would also be added from the west shore to the east shore.

PennDOT said this option would allow it to have the flexibility to re-stripe the roadway in the future to take out a lane and add additional bike/pedestrian space if needed.

A diagram shows proposed changes to the west part of the Market Street Bridge. The bridge’s current configuration is at the top and proposed configuration at the bottom. Courtesy: PennDOT

Notably, this plan calls for the addition of a narrow utility bridge next to the Market Street Bridge. Currently, utilities, including include gas transmission lines, multiple fiber optic telecommunications lines and a sewer line, run beneath the sidewalks of the bridge.

According to PennDOT, building a separate bridge for the utilities will shorten the construction period from about 10 years to five to six years. Construction is slated to begin in 2024.

A rendering of the Market Street Bridge, with the construction of a separate utility bridge. Courtesy PennDOT

The project would proceed in three phases:

Phase 1 – Construct the utility bridge and relocate all utilities from Market Street Bridge to the new utility bridge. Existing travel lanes will be maintained except for short-term lane closures with flagging to accommodate utility reconnections.

Phase 2 – Construct the westbound (upstream) side of the bridges. One eastbound lane will be maintained with all westbound traffic being detoured via Harvey Taylor Bridge. Access to City Island will be from the eastbound ramp.

Phase 3 – Construct the eastbound (downstream) side of the bridge. One eastbound lane will be maintained on the upstream newly constructed side with all westbound traffic being detoured via Harvey Taylor Bridge. Access to City Island will be from the westbound ramp.

Information, including a project overview, project displays, and methods to provide comment, can be viewed on the project website at Market Street Bridge. An in-person open house plan display will be held on Thursday, June 2, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Kinsley Hall, 20 Market St., Wormleysburg.

Comments will be accepted through Friday, June 17.

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“Hoop It Up Harrisburg” basketball tournament to give residents a chance show what they’ve got

April 27, 2022 | by Maddie Gittens

For basketball lovers, an upcoming Harrisburg event will be a slam dunk.

On June 4, the city will host “Hoop It Up Harrisburg 3×3 Street Fest,” a single-day basketball tournament on City Island. The event is in partnership with Kevin Garnett’s Hoop It Up, powered by 3×360 Sports.

From 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., 28 basketball courts will be set up on City Island’s south parking lot, along with music and food vendors. Participating teams can win up to $1,000 in cash prizes.

Hoop It Up is open to youth, men and women. Divisions include: Under-8, U10, U12, U14, U16, U18, 19+, 31+ and 45+, along with a Men’s FIBA (Federation of International Basketball) Pro Am bracket.

“Although basketball and my career have taken me out of the area, I grew up here,” said Drew Dawson, a Trinity High School graduate and co-founder for 3×360 Sport. “Harrisburg is home, and I have many great memories, family, and friends, as well as old teammates throughout central Pennsylvania.”

Prizes will be awarded to all winners. Champions of the 3×3 Pro Am will receive $1,000 and second place will win $500.

Youth and adult divisions cost $150 to register, while Pro-Am teams cost $200. Teams may have no more than five members.

According to Dawson, a portion of the proceeds will support a Harrisburg-based charity that is to be determined.

A rain date is scheduled for Sunday, June 5.

To register for the “Hoop It Up Harrisburg 3×3 Street Fest,” visit their website.

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Setting Sail: New Harrisburg riverboat leader follows her father’s course.

April 6, 2022 | by Diane White McNaughton

Pride of the Susquehanna riverboat

Appropriately, Kim Rice landed upon a nautical term to describe the similarities between her and her late father, former Dauphin County Commissioner Fred Rice.

“We are both boat-rockers,” she said. “We are not afraid to rock the boat.”

It’s exactly that fearlessness that propelled Fred, back in the early ‘90s, to become the second chairman of the board of the Pride of the Susquehanna riverboat. And it’s the same fearlessness that now allows daughter Kim to follow in his wake.

Kim said that her late father inspired her own journey.

Fred Rice was outgoing, energized by people, and knew virtually everyone, she said. His hunting cabins in Dauphin and in Perry counties were full of friends, laughter and fond memories.

“He lived life to the fullest,” Kim said.

He was in the Lions Club and Safari Club, was a Gov. Tom Ridge appointee to the Mid-Atlantic Fish Commission, and chaired the Lower Paxton Republican Committee. A veteran of the U.S. Army during the Korean War, he was a successful insurance and investment consultant.

When Dauphin County Commissioner Jack Minnich resigned to become the court administrator in 1985, county judges selected Rice to replace him, and his journey to launch the boat began.

“He was so excited about it,” Kim said, citing her father’s friendship with one of the founding riverboat members, Mike Trephan.

“My dad was really good at wheeling and dealing to get people to do stuff for him,” Kim recalled, with a laugh.

The late luxury homebuilder, Stan Custer Sr., built benches. Then-Mayor Steve Reed offered aid. And his list of allies grew.

Fast-forward 30-plus years. After former board chair, local attorney Deb Donahue, approached her in 2019, Kim joined the board. Their executive director had just resigned, and a new executive director lasted only weeks.

“Deb and I were doing everything,” recalled Kim, who also holds down a full-time job with the commonwealth.

Donahue, whose father Bruce Miller was also a noteworthy local leader, served as president of the board from 2018 through 2021. Kim took the helm at the end of last year.

As the first female president of the Pride, Donahue had rough waters to navigate, including a pandemic, funding shortfalls, board resignations, internal power struggles, maintenance issues and more. Kim inherited much the same.

“I love the riverboat. I do enjoy riding on it,” she said. “I love going to City Island. I love going to meetings there. It brings me closer to my dad. He loved the river, and he loved the Pride of the Susquehanna. I am honored to do it.”

She is humble when considering her dad’s legacy.

“I can’t match my dad and his contacts,” she said.

Rough Waters

The last few years have been tough ones for the Pride. In 2018, high water repeatedly grounded the riverboat, which was just beginning to recover when the pandemic hit.

Board members have frequently paid for the operation and repairs of the boat out of their own pockets, Kim said,

“My goal is to get it to be self-sustaining and not be in such jeopardy,” she said.

Therefore, she plans to focus on grant-writing, marketing, expanding the board and fundraising. Exciting new programs for younger people also are waiting at the dock.

She said that COVID-19 and its two years of restrictions hit every nonprofit like a hole in the hull. In the first year of the pandemic, they had to operate at a 25-person limit instead of 110, complying with restrictions imposed upon bars and restaurants because they serve alcohol.

“We lost our shirt to cover the cost of the crew and fuel,” Kim stated frankly, noting the $300 per hour expense to operate the boat.

This year, she noted, the board already secured a gaming grant from the Dauphin County commissioners for $75,000. However, that is not nearly enough to help them swim long-term.

“This boat is 34 years old, and there are constantly things that need repair,” she said.

To help maintain the Pride, she is working with new board member Lorri Ribbans to utilize the skills of Dauphin County Technical School students.

This year, Kim and her board’s plans for the Riverboat include a first-ever 5K “Float the Boat” walk and run for the Riverboat on Sunday, May 15. Sponsors, runners and walkers are still needed.

A popular veterans’ cruise will be held on May 30, over Memorial Day weekend, and is free to veterans.

Public cruises will resume in May, only on the weekends, said Melissa Snyder of Daza Development, who is aiding in the daily operations of the nonprofit.

In June, the Riverboat is expected to start full week and weekend public cruises. Starting in June, they also will have:

“Princess” and “Superhero” cruises for kids
River School on Saturday mornings
Murder mystery dinners
“Dinner on the River”
Wine on Wednesday
Jazz and other music cruises.

Still in the works are “Bourbon on the Boat” (bourbon tasting cruise) and “Trivia Tuesday.”

Popular country singer Garrett Shultz is on tap for a major fundraiser, Boat-toberfest, in October. A tribute to late board member, attorney Bill Cornell, is also planned.

Kim said that a leader can’t be afraid to ask for help, so she is. The riverboat needs welders, sponsors and donors.

When Kim was cleaning out her parents’ things, she found a Nick Ruggieri print of the riverboat, signed by Captain Jack and two other captains as a thank you for her father’s service.

The riverboat may still be buffeted by rough waters. However, that print reminds her that rocking the boat can keep them sailing smoothly up the Susquehanna for years to come.

The Pride of the Susquehanna sails from City Island, Harrisburg. For more information, visit www.hbgriverboat.org.

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Central PA’s field day is back, as Harrisburg Hoopla returns

March 14, 2022 | by Lawrance Binda

city island in the middle of the river on

Harrisburg Hoopla will take place June 4 on City Island.

This summer, you can count on another annual Harrisburg event returning after a pandemic-induced hiatus.

Harrisburg Hoopla, a daylong series of fun, amateur competitions, will take place on City Island on June 4, according to the organizer, the Foundation for Enhancing Communities (TFEC).

This year, events will include both physical games and “puzzle-like” games, according to TFEC.

“The team at TFEC looks forward to Harrisburg Hoopla every year,” said Janice Black, president and CEO of TFEC. “It is a great way to get young people involved in philanthropy and support local organizations in our community.”

Harrisburg Hoopla first took to the field five years ago, offering participants a day of friendly contests, along with refreshments. The greater purpose of Harrisburg Hoopla is to introduce young people to philanthropy, according to TFEC.

People can register to participate either as free agents or as a team of six. Each team will represent a local nonprofit organization of their choice, and the team that finishes in first, second and third place will receive a portion of the event’s proceeds to donate to the charity they competed for. A portion of the event’s proceeds will also benefit the Emerging Philanthropist Fund at TFEC.

“We’re so excited to be back on City Island,” says Jenna Reitz, chair of the Harrisburg Hoopla Planning Committee. “The committee has been working really hard on planning this event, and we hope everyone will come out and join us on June 4.”

Harrisburg Hoopla also will host local food trucks and alcohol vendors. Participants must be 21 years old to compete, and registration for Harrisburg Hoopla is $50 per person. Teams and individuals that register before May 23 will receive a free T-shirt with their registration.

To learn more and register to participate in the fourth annual Harrisburg Hoopla, visit https://www.tfec.org/harrisburg-hoopla-registration-page/.

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Let the Countdown Begin: Harrisburg to hold New Year’s Eve celebration on City Island

November 29, 2021 | by Maddie Gittens

Fireworks in Harrisburg (file photo)

Harrisburg is inviting residents and visitors to join in welcoming a new year, with a bang.

The city will host its annual New Year’s Eve celebration on City Island this year by setting off fireworks and dropping its signature strawberry.

“It’s a really fun way to kick off the new year,” said Cortney Ranck-Cameron, assistant manager of special events for the city. “We are excited for this new venue.”

In years past, Harrisburg has celebrated the new year downtown, with N. 2^nd Street closed off for pedestrian use. However, the city opted to utilize FNB Field on City Island this year to allow crowds to spread out as the pandemic persists, Ranck-Cameron said.

Last year, Harrisburg rang in the year virtually due to the pandemic, with online streamed fireworks.

From 10 p.m. to midnight at FNB Field, home of the Harrisburg Senators baseball team, there will be food vendors, live music, a beer garden, kids’ activities and a photo/video booth.

In keeping with tradition, the city will drop a large strawberry to countdown to midnight and set off fireworks as the calendar year changes.

Harrisburg businesses, organizations and community members can submit a photo or short video message to be played for free at the celebration. Non-city businesses can make submissions for a fee.

The city also will promote new year’s dining and takeout specials from local businesses.

“We encourage people to support downtown businesses,” Ranck-Cameron said.

For more information on Harrisburg’s 2022 New Year’s Eve celebration, visit their website.

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PennDOT announces rehab of Market Street Bridge, seeks community input

November 10, 2021 | by Maddie Gittens

The Market Street Bridge

A major Harrisburg bridge connecting the east and west shores is slated to undergo rehabilitation.

PennDOT is seeking community input on a project that will make improvements to the historic Market Street Bridge.

The Market Street Bridge spans the Susquehanna River, connecting Harrisburg to Wormleysburg, as well as City Island in between.

PennDOT plans to rehabilitate the historic arches of the bridge. They will also replace the deck and sidewalks on the eastern bridge and construct a new deck and beams on the western bridge.

According to PennDOT, the purpose of the $63.8 million project is to maintain a safe and efficient way to cross the Susquehanna River between Harrisburg and the west shore. The Market Street Bridge is one of the four main river crossings in the Harrisburg area, according to PennDOT.

A project overview, displays and plans are available on PennDOT’s website for the public to view. They hope to receive feedback from the community through a comment form.

“The Market Street Bridge connects our east shore and west shore communities and is the main access point to City Island,” said PennDOT Acting District Executive Chris Drda. “It is an important project for commuters and pedestrians, and we strongly encourage everyone to visit the project website or join us for the open house to learn about the preliminary plans to rehabilitate the bridge and maintain safety and multimodal access over the Susquehanna.”

There will also be an in-person open house plan display held on Dec. 7 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Kinsley Hall, 20 Market St., Wormleysburg.

PennDOT is accepting comments on the project until Dec. 22.

They anticipate starting construction in 2024.

While PennDOT has not determined how they will maintain traffic, they stated that access to City Island will be possible throughout construction.

PennDOT can make the project documents available in alternative languages or formats if requested. For this service, or for additional concerns, contact Heidi Mertz, PE, Project Manager, at (717) 787-3324, or email at [email protected].

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Surf’s almost up, as Harrisburg Beach Club is set to open next week

October 29, 2021 | by Lawrance Binda

Harrisburg Beach Club owners Adam Maust and Bryan Donovan

Summer is long over, but the Harrisburg Beach Club hopes people still want to have fun by the water as the outdoor venue is slated to open next week.

Co-owner Bryan Donovan today said that the beach club plans to open for business starting on Thursday at the point on City Island.

“We’re really excited to showcase the space,” he said. “We’ve put a lot of hard work into it, so we’re eager to show everyone what we’ve done.”

The beach club’s bar and tables are located outdoors, on the banks of the Susquehanna River and just outside the city’s historic bathhouse.

The century-old bathhouse, which had been shuttered for decades, is also part of the project. Before it could re-open to the public, the Tudor-style structure required extensive restoration, including renovating the first-floor bathrooms and changing areas.

The owners also made improvements to the outdoor space, including lighting, landscaping and construction of a large bar.

Harrisburg’s historic bathhouse, now part of the Harrisburg Beach Club

Donovan and co-owner Adam Maust announced their venture in late May, hoping to open in early July. However, various delays pushed the opening into early November.

Donovan said that they’re not too disappointed with the mid-autumn opening. To stave off the cold, they plan to deploy propane heaters and propane fire pits throughout the winter months. They also plan to add heat to the currently unheated first floor of the bathhouse, which will allow them to turn the changing rooms, unused during the winter, into an indoor gathering spot.

“It will be a challenge to battle the cold weather,” he said. “But we believe that getting the inside buttoned up will provide an opportunity for us.”

The main bar area of the Harrisburg Beach Club

Over the winter, the owners hope to attract patrons with food trucks, live music and special events. Longer-term, they expect to feature winter sports, such as ice-skating and ice curling.

The beach club is renting the bathhouse from the city. Over the past few months, some city residents have complained to City Council about the deal, objecting that the administration did not issue a request for proposals (RFP) for the space.

A renovated changing room inside the bathhouse

City Solicitor Neil Grover has stated that the city had the right to lease the space without an RFP or the explicit assent of council. Donovan said that their attorneys and financial professionals extensively reviewed all agreements to ensure legality.

In order to serve alcoholic beverages, the beach club will employ a satellite liquor license from Hidden Still Spirits, a Hershey-based distillery, which will provide liquors for the venue. The beach club also plans to offer beer and wine from PA-based producers, as well as coffee from Harrisburg-based Good Brotha’s. The bar features a 10-tap system, Donovan said.

He added that he hopes the beach club will benefit City Island, as well, adding a new attraction, especially during the cold-weather months.

“It will be a clean, casual, low-key touristy-type spot,” Donovan said. “Ideally, we would like to see the island become a 365-day-a-year destination for the community and for tourism.”

Once the Harrisburg Beach Club opens next week, regular hours will be Thursday and Friday, 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The Harrisburg Beach Club is located at the point of City Island, Harrisburg. For more information, visit www.harrisburgbeachclub.com.

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Super Fun: Harrisburg’s Superhero Day returns with anti-bullying message

October 7, 2021 | by Maddie Gittens

Members of the Capital Rebirth team at a past Superhero Day

For one day, superheroes will descend upon Harrisburg to unite for a special mission.

At Capital Rebirth’s 4^th annual Superhero Day in Harrisburg on Oct. 16, that mission is to discourage bullying and support kids who have been bullied.

“You see parents posting about kids being bullied, and it’s becoming a big issue,” said Mikell Simpson, founder and CEO of Capital Rebirth. “Our goal is to educate and stop it.”

Simpson said that the message is even more important this year, as kids deal with the effects of the pandemic and being home from school for over a year.

Superhero day will begin at 11 a.m. with a city-wide parade including 16 superheroes, exotic cars, bike groups and community organizations riding through every neighborhood.

The festivities will then continue on City Island at 1 p.m.

Characters like Superman, Wonder Woman, Black Panther, Storm, Deadpool, Thor, Flash and Catwoman, among others, will attend.

Attendees are also encouraged to dress up as their favorite superheroes.

Additionally, there will be face painting by Ebony’s Magic Brush, a superhero-themed obstacle course presented by Crunch Fitness and rock climbing with the U.S. Army. There will also be a 360-degree photo booth by Roman Empire Media Group, yoga with Soul Smirk Yoga and Mindfulness, bounce houses, field games, food and live music and performances.

Simpson said that he also hopes to bring resources to parents and children who may not know where to go for help.

Organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Capital Region, Salvation Army, Camp Curtin YMCA, Harrisburg Bureau of Police, Tri County OIC and Breaking the Chainz will be in attendance.

“It is up to us as leaders in the community–nonprofits, businesses, and resource centers–to step in and show our kids that they aren’t alone and that they have places to go and people to talk to for help,” Simpson said in a statement. “Superhero Day is an opportunity for us to bring all of our services to one place and share what we can with the families who really need them.”

The event is sponsored by the Black Voters Matter Fund, First National Bank and D&H Distributing.

Past Superhero Days have drawn crowds of over 500 families, Simpson said, and they hope to see those numbers again this year.

“Come out because you want to be a hero, not a bully,” he said. “Who doesn’t love superheroes?”

For more information on the Anti-Bullying Superhero Day, visit Capital Rebirth’s website.

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Food truck festival will help make wishes come true for local children with critical illnesses

September 3, 2021 | by Maddie Gittens

Last year’s Wish Upon a Food Truck Festival

A local group is getting ready to truck in good food for a great cause.

On Sept. 18, Make-A-Wish Foundation of Philadelphia, Delaware and Susquehanna Valley will hold a food truck fundraiser on City Island in Harrisburg to support children with critical illnesses.

Since its founding, the local Make-a-Wish chapter has granted over 7,000 wishes for children from the region.

“For kids who have critical illnesses, studies show that, when a wish is granted, it not only helps them emotionally, but physically,” said Emily Reading, coordinator for the festival. “Wishes bring hope and optimism and gives them hope to push through.”

It hasn’t been an easy year for the organization, as many children’s wishes had to be postponed and they had to find alternative ways to stay connected to families during COVID.

But things are looking up, Reading said, as they soon plan to start granting travel wishes again.

The goal of the Wish Upon a Food Truck Festival is to raise $30,000, enough to grant wishes for three children, as the average wish costs $10,000.

At the festival, there will be over 25 food trucks, local breweries and wineries. At each truck, there will be tip jars for those who want to donate to Make-a-Wish. People can give online by using QR codes posted at the event.

There will be live music from over 10 bands and musicians, as well as kids’ crafts and activities and retail vendors. Proceeds from raffle baskets will also support the organization.

As part of the program, Make-a-Wish will interview some of the children and families that they support, to allow the public to hear their stories.

Earlier in the day is the Harrisburg Young Professionals’ “5 Miler for 5 Charities” race. The local Make-a-Wish chapter is one of the charities they will raise funds for.

According to Reading, the organization is still looking for volunteers to help on the day of the festival, as she expects there will be even more attendees this year than last.

“Hopefully, we will get more people to come out, and it’ll be a nice family event,” Reading said.

The Wish Upon a Food Truck Festival is on Sept. 18 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on City Island in Harrisburg. For more information about Make-A-Wish Foundation of Philadelphia, Delaware and Susquehanna Valley, visit their website.

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Dauphin County’s Cultural Fest to highlight the region’s diversity with music, performances

August 19, 2021 | by Maddie Gittens

A past Cultural Fest

This weekend, Harrisburg will experience music, dance, food and entertainment from around the globe, all in one place.

Dauphin County is holding its annual Cultural Fest on Aug. 21 on City Island to celebrate the region’s diverse cultures.

“It’s about bringing folks from diverse backgrounds together and making the experience educational and fun,” said Dauphin County Commissioner George Hartwick, who created the event.

The free event will feature performances by R&B band Tony! Toni! Tone!, comedian Jammin Jay Lamont, latin jazz musician Tito Puente Jr. & Los Monstros and local group The Singer’s Lounge, among others.

The festival will take place in City Island’s North parking lot.

Now on its 13^th year, the festival was originally started as a way to promote inclusivity and to open up dialogue between diverse Dauphin County residents, Hartwick explained.

In addition to the main stage, a dance stage will showcase Chinese, African, Irish, Bulgarian and other traditional cultural dances.

Ethnic food trucks and craft vendors will be on site, as well as Dauphin County Human Services. Additionally, a COVID-19 vaccination booth will make Moderna, Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson shots available.

Youth attendees aged 3 to 12 can spend time at a designated Children’s Corner with special crafts, activities and games inspired by Kenya, Columbia, France, Japan, Romania, and more.

There will also be a youth entertainment stage, sports games and a self-care space with hairstylists, barbers and nail manicurists.

Highmark, Hershey and D&S Tree Service are sponsors of the event.

“We are expecting a great turnout,” Hartwick said. “It’s an environment where everyone is welcome.”

To learn more about the Dauphin County Cultural Fest, visit their website.

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