Sycamore Point Park Dedicated in Honesdale
Sycamore Point Park Completed!
For the second year in a row, a public river access on the Lackawaxen has been created
October 18, 2024 – The nearly decade-long effort to develop the riverfront in Honesdale at the confluence of Dyberry Creek and the Lackawaxen River was realized this fall. The county-owned park and river access welcomed dozens of dignitaries, trail advocates and local residents to officially dedicate Sycamore Point Park. It is the northernmost launch in a series of river accesses between Honesdale and Hawley. White Mills River Access Park was dedicated last year around this time.
Sycamore Point Park is the second accessible public access for individuals with disabilities on the Lackawaxen River. Joining in the celebration were Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) Executive Director Tim Schaeffer and Commissioner William Gibney, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Deputy Secretary Claire Jantz, Wayne County Commissioners Smith and Shook, State Representative Jonathan Fritz, State Senator Rosemary Brown, members of the Lackawaxen River Trails group, Woodland Design Associates, and numerous community partners.
The following is from a PA Fish & Boat Commission news release:
“This is literally the spot that sparked the unprecedented partnership along the Lackawaxen and started momentum for improved public boating access that has spread throughout the Delaware River Watershed,” said Tim Schaeffer, PFBC Executive Director. “My friend Mike Slattery from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service was here in June of 2022 when the plans for the River Trail were unveiled and called it a ‘force multiplier’ – and he was right. From Honesdale to Hawley to all the way downstream in Philadelphia, renewed connections to our creeks and rivers are bringing undeniable benefits to communities and making the health of Pennsylvania’s waterways more relevant than ever. Thank you to our partners here in Wayne County for being the spark that ignited a burning flame.”
Claire Jantz, DCNR Deputy Secretary, commended project organizers for their vision to enhance interest and create excitement around one of the region’s historic features by adding modern amenities.
“Congratulations to everyone who has been a part of bringing the newest feature of this river trail to reality,” said Jantz. “The Lackawaxen River has been an economic backbone for more than two centuries, from early logging through the building of the canal and transporting coal. Now, this river trail will connect people to nature, recreational opportunities, communities, history, businesses, and so much more.”
Funding for the Sycamore Point Park project was provided to Wayne County through the PFBC’s Boating Facility Grant Program ($257,682) in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, DCNR’s Community Conservation Partnerships Program ($314,000), and local fundraising.
“This river trail is quickly becoming one of the jewels of Wayne County,” said Wayne County Commissioners Brian Smith, Jocelyn Cramer and James Shook. “We wanted these access points created along the Lackawaxen to be for everyone, so we’re glad to see the handicapped accessible features at both Sycamore Point and White Mills. We encourage everyone to recreate, enjoy these gems along the river, and take advantage of the natural beauty that Wayne County offers. We’re so excited to see a worthwhile idea on paper come to fruition so quickly and so wonderfully.”
Lackawaxen River Trails is thrilled to reach this milestone in the development of the trails system connecting Honesdale with White Mills, White Mills with Hawley, and eventually Hawley with Lackawaxen! Please use Sycamore Point Park safely, responsibly and support our efforts to continue building connections to our shared resource, the Lackawaxen River!
