JACKSON TWP — Talks to improve recreation in the area have been productive, officials said.

A focus group consisting of township, borough and school officials met in September to discuss potential recreational amenities for the township, Zelienople and Harmony.

“The point of the group is to get a dialogue going and generate ideas that we can report back to the planning commission to incorporate into our draft planning documents,” said Chris Rearick, township manager and group coordinator. “We hope that plan will become part of the regional plan.”

Local officials said talks have been positive.

“There is some brainstorming going on,” Harmony parks director Susie Altemus said. “It’s encouraging.”

“I think we have a lot of wonderful resources and opportunities here,” said Tracy Vitale, superintendent for the Seneca Valley School District. “I’m glad to have the opportunity to be involved in the discussion.”

Some possible amenities discussed included a biking trail connecting downtown Zelienople and the Park and Ride lot on Route 528, a new hiking trail, improvements to canoe launches, ball fields, and a cross-country skiing area.

“I would like to make sure we are all strategically planning together as partners so we don’t replicate or duplicate,” Vitale said.

Several acres of Porter’s Cove and land owned by Wild Waterways Conservancy by the Connoquenessing Creek are being considered as potential areas for regional recreational development. About 20 acres from the side developments, which is mostly wetlands, also is being looked at.

Rearick said most of the ideas discussed are “pure speculation.” However, he said the “most immediate” plan was the connecting trail with the Park and Ride.

“It’s an immediate opportunity for need within the township, he said. “Most of the discussion though was on regional opportunity.”

Altemus said the area has become a “central hub” for bicyclists.

The trail would run through land owned by Manheim Auto Auction, through plans on Tollgate School Road to Perry Way.

“It essentially provides a connection to the township’s residential corridor, but also provides a connection for our residents so they can support businesses and the parks in Zelienople,” Rearick said.

The township was awarded a state grant programmed for 2018 to help fund the trail connections. Developers also will help with recreation improvements through provisions.

The township also applied for a $240,000 grant to pave the Harmony Trail that runs by the Connoquenessing Creek and increase the trail’s width to six feet. The grant also would pay to install a boardwalk for the wetlands.

Rearick said grant awards for the Harmony Trail are expected to be announced later this month.