04/13/2026
For the past two years, I’ve put my time, energy, and heart into trying to make this site something special for our community.
I opened the space to local vendors—free of charge—so they could grow their businesses and bring something unique to the area. I created access to the creek for everyone to enjoy, with a simple system: if you wanted to park and use the space, it was just $5—and you got that $5 right back to use at the shops.
The goal was simple: support small businesses, keep the area maintained, and create a place people could enjoy responsibly.
Unfortunately, that’s not how it played out.
Many chose not to pay, and the space was left with garbage on a daily basis. Despite trying to keep things affordable and fair, the lack of respect made it difficult to sustain.
On top of that, the township required me to shut down the vendor cabins due to issues with the parking lot plan. I applied for grants—twice—and was denied. I also reached out to the French Creek Valley Conservancy in hopes of finding a way to work together, but that effort didn’t move forward.
I truly tried to build something positive here—for the community, for small businesses, and for anyone who wanted to enjoy the creek.
At the end of the day, it’s disappointing. Not because of the effort—I would do that again—but because of how difficult it is to create something good when support, cooperation, and respect aren’t there.
I hope this gives some perspective on what’s gone into this, and why things have changed.
