12th Annual MPMC 5 Miler was Oct 21, 2023
Race Results at www.councilforwellness.org
Race Results at www.councilforwellness.org
Welcome to MPMC
MPMC Goal:
To build community vibrancy and enhance public spaces by connecting people and places with safe routes for pedestrians and cyclists. |
IMAGINE a community where . . .
. . . individuals walk on their daily errands, children walk to school, and families bike to parks and other recreational areas. Imagine a community where walkers, joggers, and bikers have easy access to safe routes, paths and trails, and recreation "starts" at your front door. Imagine a day when our townships and borough serve as a model of a healthy place to live and work and go to school.
The Montgomery Peters Mercersburg Connectivity (MPMC) project is working to make that day a reality.  Along McFarland Road MPMC Core Values: Healthy Communities--Family Activities-- Pedestrian & Cyclist Friendly Borough & Townships-- Connectivity of People--Contribution to Community MPMC is an initiative of MACWell (Mercersburg Area Council for Wellness). |
Healthy Communities
It takes Partnership & Persistence
"This award really goes to all those who have given their time and energy to work on feasibility, planning and implementation of projects that support our environment and a walkable/ bikeable community. Getting outdoors and being physically active are key to our well being."- Dr. Liz George
Recipient of the Pennsylvania Academy of Family Physicians inaugural
Public Health Award
"This award really goes to all those who have given their time and energy to work on feasibility, planning and implementation of projects that support our environment and a walkable/ bikeable community. Getting outdoors and being physically active are key to our well being."- Dr. Liz George
Recipient of the Pennsylvania Academy of Family Physicians inaugural
Public Health Award
Enhancing Public Spaces
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The Trail is Open - enjoy the fresh air, and soothing sounds of stream and birds!
The Johnston Run Streamside Trail entrance is on Oregon St, on the left after the bridge as you head away from town.
Enjoy a walk from town or parking is available.
DH Martin Excavating broke ground mid July. Government officials, business leaders, TACC joined MACWell Board in celebrated ground breaking at the TACC summer get together July 30th. The trail is handicapped accessible and good for walking, cycling, trikes, and strollers!. The photos show the natural peacefulness of the area.
The Johnston Run Streamside Trail entrance is on Oregon St, on the left after the bridge as you head away from town.
Enjoy a walk from town or parking is available.
DH Martin Excavating broke ground mid July. Government officials, business leaders, TACC joined MACWell Board in celebrated ground breaking at the TACC summer get together July 30th. The trail is handicapped accessible and good for walking, cycling, trikes, and strollers!. The photos show the natural peacefulness of the area.
Commissioner Bob Ziobrowski, FCADC's Mike Ross, Kathleen Gunnell from Senator Wards office, Dr. Liz George, Commissioner Bob Thomas, TACC Director Chris Ardinger, Borough Manager Derek Stoy
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Brett Cook and Katrina Gayman from Whitetail, Claudia Peet & Becky Wolf (Board), Joan Mccullough Historian of the area, Liz George MD, Robert Twine & Ingrid Ashley (Board), Derek Stoy, Annalisa Ambrisco (Orrstown)
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It's Spring - fun for walking and bicycling. Come listen to the birds and stream, watch for other critters and wild flowers!
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Oct 29th -Volunteers of all ages joined in to plant wildflowers/ferns and trees. many thanks to our volunteers and for coordination of the day by Derek Stoy, John Schwartzer (DCNR Forester) Robert Twine (MACWell Board - Trail Team lead), Becky Schubert (Native Niches)
Come Enjoy Nature with Us Join the Trail Team |
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Thank you to so many people for dedication, hardwork, knowledge and persistence. Thank you MPMC volunteers, Borough Manager Manager Derek Stoy, Bourough Council, Water and Sewer Authorities, Grant Writer Bob Whitmore, DCNR, Franklin County Commissioners, ARRO engineers (special applause Scott Longstreth), and the Conservation District, and local business sponsors. Thank you to JBHS student volunteers and artists. Thank you to all the Trail and stream revitalizaion Supporters; we’ll be able to walk, look and listen for the wildlife and the stream.
Community Connectivity -Art in Nature
Thank you for
sharing your talent! |
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We are thrilled with the mural benches to go along the Johnston Run Trail. Benches were designed by Kyle Burdette and being painted by student artists from JBHS and Mercersburg Academy. Many thanks to our creative students and to their encouraging art teachers - Kayla Chambers (JBHS) and Sydney Caretti (MA)
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Our project has been interrupted by Covid 19 - but
we're looking forward to seeing these beautiful works of art along the stream side trail.
Thank you to Mural Bench sponsors !
we're looking forward to seeing these beautiful works of art along the stream side trail.
Thank you to Mural Bench sponsors !
Taking Care of Our Environment
Monitoring Johnston Run Stream Corridor
Waterway Monitoring in the LabA Dickinson Ecology major assists as volunteers Franklin Bell, Elizabeth Grant and Brent Gift learn Turbidity Testing.
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Water Conservation for AllCommunity volunteers trained with ALLARM (Alliance for Aquatic Resource Monitoring) by Dickinson College to do monthly monitoring on our stream, which is currently impaired. Monitoring is part of learning what needs to be done to revitalize the stream.
We now have 2 years of data and ALLARM is helping look for patterns and causes of our stream's excessive nutrients and dissolved solids, and identifying next steps in monitoring and towards remediation. Interested in joining the Monitoring Team? Contact Us! READ MORE about our Waterway |
Waterway Monitoring in the FieldAshley Carbaugh completed in-stream temperature and conductivity testing (measures salts etc from road run off), and collects a sample for Nitrate, Phosphate, sediment measurement.
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Walkability & Bikeability
Pedestrian & Cyclist Friendly Borough & Townships
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Enjoy our
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Working Toward Complete Streets
Our Feasibility Study identified a "seamless network" for safe walking and cycling on errands and to work or school. Now MPMC is working toward a "Master Plan" for implementation that will identify, plan and prioritize projects that enhance our community with complete streets. These are designed and operated to enable safe access for all users, including pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists of all ages and abilities. Complete Streets make it easy to cross the street, walk to shops, and bicycle to work and school, and enjoy our area. Read More
What's a COMPLETE STREET?
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Check out this article to learn more about how roadways designed for the safety of bicyclists and pedestrians is an important part of a vibrant community!
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Connectivity of People
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A Winner of the Not for Profit of the Year award from Tuscarora Area Chamber of Commerce!
Pictured - from the Left - Patti Nitterhouse HEA Host, developer Penn National Golf Community; Kenn Speaks HEA Coach, Speaks DJ; Chris Mayer HEA Host at Wilson College, director CSA; Laura Puckett, Board member; Claudia Peet Board member, Director of Medical Library Summit Health,staff education coordinator; Shelby Miller HEA coordinator; Elizabeth Grant - Board member, Franklin Cty Planning Commission; Elizabeth George, MD MACWell President; Jim Butler Everyday Chef educator, Dining Service Director at Mercersburg Academy; Mayor Jim Zeger - MPMC team. |
Contribution to Community
Thank you to JBHS Honor Society Students for their amazing energy and team work on the community trail!
Here's what students say about working outdoors:
“Working on the trail gave me a new perspective; it was so neat to see the before and after of the trail and just how far it came along when we all worked on it together. It got me excited to have the trail in Mercersburg. The trail will give many people the opportunity to take time to enjoy the local beauty and nature of this area.” ~ Maggie Plessinger Volunteer Opportunities: Do you have planning skills in re-naturalizing? Would you like to plant trees, wild flowers, and help maintain the stream side trail? Contact Us and share your talents! |
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Environmental Sustainability
Nature along Johnston Run - Look closely for the camouflaged American Woodcock!
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Protecting habitat for wildlife and replanting native wildflowers and trees.
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Johnston Run Scenic Streamside Trail with possible connections to the ball park,
MPMC Alley Loop, and Lions Club Park 
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Join this community effort, today! Click above to contact us!
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Did you know that Mercersburg has a beautiful stream running through it?
Support Johnson Run Revitalization . . .
Watch for our new stainless steel water bottle, and MACWell membership opportunities to help maintain our beautiful stream side trail!
MACWell Board Members and our Partners in Wellness meet to share goals.
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Many thanks to our Partners in Wellness
for their generous contribution and commitment to supporting Individual Wellness, Community Vitality and Environmental Sustainability Summit Health, First National Bank of Mercersburg, Atlas Copco, Whitetail Resort Making a stand for Wellness in their Businesses and in the Community! |
Updates! Curious about our progress?
Check out our "How's it Going?" pages under each of our major projects: Walkability/Bikeability and Waterway Revitalization
fun photos and updates!
fun photos and updates!
Other Resources
Why Walk?
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Walking routes and fitness fun in Mercersburg! Click on the map pictured right |
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Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
Focusing on the connection between health and outdoor activities, Pennsylvania residents want access to close to home recreation, walkable and bikable communities, protection of lands and waters and well-maintained park facilities. MACWell's projects and events are completed in conjunction with these goals of the PA DCNR to create safe and effective enjoyment of the outdoors. Visit their site for more information and see their 5 year plan!
Focusing on the connection between health and outdoor activities, Pennsylvania residents want access to close to home recreation, walkable and bikable communities, protection of lands and waters and well-maintained park facilities. MACWell's projects and events are completed in conjunction with these goals of the PA DCNR to create safe and effective enjoyment of the outdoors. Visit their site for more information and see their 5 year plan!
Many thanks to our Sponsors and Partners
for their continued support:
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