A Look at What's Happening in Ephrata
On March 25, Mainspring of Ephrata held its fourth annual Mainspring Meetup at Ephrata Church of the Brethren, welcoming community members, business owners, volunteers, and neighbors at two sessions. Executive Director Joy Ashley led the morning and evening gatherings, sharing a candid look at Mainspring’s programs, Ephrata’s competitive strengths, and the exciting momentum building across Lancaster County. If you couldn’t make it, here’s a recap of what was covered. You can also watch the full recording and get answers to all questions asked at both meetings below.
Two of Mainspring’s most valued community partners took time to address attendees, and their remarks set a powerful tone for the morning. Jeff Stauffer, President and CEO of Ephrata National Bank, and Doug Underwood, CEO of Windsor Mount Joy, both spoke to something that resonates at the core of what Mainspring does: when a community thrives, everyone benefits — and that belief is worth investing in.
Jeff reflected on more than four decades with Ephrata National Bank, an institution founded in 1881 and deeply rooted in downtown Ephrata. Despite expanding into Lancaster, Lebanon, Berks, and now Cecil County, Maryland, the bank has made a deliberate choice to remain anchored on Main Street — recently committing to expand its downtown Ephrata facilities. Jeff spoke candidly about why: Ephrata is home, and a strong community is inseparable from a strong bank. Last year alone, Ephrata National Bank contributed approximately $1.5 million back into the community, and additionally awarded a remarkable $1.6 million in J. Harry Hibshman Scholarships to a single graduating class at Ephrata High School. For Jeff, supporting Mainspring is a natural extension of that same commitment — building a community that works for everyone.
Doug shared a similar perspective. Windsor Mount Joy traces its roots to 1844 and made a conscious decision to plant its headquarters in downtown Ephrata, investing significantly in a major building renovation. As a mutual insurance company, Windsor Mount Joy is built on the idea of community — and Doug emphasized that the synergy between strong businesses and a vibrant community is what makes both possible. His support for Mainspring comes from a shared belief that economic development and community connection aren’t separate goals; they grow together.
Both partners underscored what Mainspring hears time and again: Ephrata’s success is a collective effort, and the organizations that invest in this community do so because they believe in what it can become.
Joy opened with a clear message: understanding what’s happening at the county level is essential to keeping Ephrata vibrant and well-positioned for growth. A few significant county-wide initiatives are already underway.
The EDC of Lancaster County, in partnership with Discover Lancaster, the Lancaster County Planning Department, and the Lancaster County Conservancy, has launched a Lancaster County Outdoor Recreation Initiative — a coordinated effort to build an outdoor brand, connect businesses to recreational assets, and position the county as a destination. Ephrata is already recognized as a trail town in that framework.
The Lancaster County Planning Department is also updating its parks and trail master plan for the first time since 1992 — and public comments are currently being accepted.
Meanwhile, major data center investment is coming to Lancaster County, with one company alone investing more than $6 billion in the region. The anticipated economic ripple effects — jobs, population growth, increased tax revenue, and business demand — are very real and very relevant to Ephrata’s future.
Joy presented market data on Ephrata’s strengths, and the picture is genuinely encouraging. The Borough has a stable, sustainable economic base with a loyal customer base, comparatively low commercial and residential rental costs, and a strong identity rooted in authenticity, walkability, and community connection.
Attendees weighed in via live Mentimeter polls, and the answers reinforced the data: small-town feel, heritage, connectivity, and green space are what make Ephrata stand out. Food and dining, personal services, and lifestyle businesses are Ephrata’s strongest growth categories — and those are exactly the sectors Mainspring is working to support and grow.
Mainspring’s three strategic goals remain the backbone of everything the organization does as part of the PA DCED’s Main Street Matters program. It’s worth noting that these goals carry equal weight. They aren’t ranked or sequential — they are equal pillars, each reinforcing the others, and Mainspring actively advances all three simultaneously to move Ephrata forward.
The Mugs & Mittens Trail launched as a new winter initiative in January and February, encouraging people to get out and support local restaurants during the quieter cold-weather months. The America 250 Community Quilt project wrapped up, with a grand unveiling planned around July 4th.
Rhythm & Brews returns May 2nd at Thomas P. Grater Community Park — a music festival benefiting both Mainspring and the Ephrata Recreation Center. Tickets are available at mainspringofephrata.org.
The Draft Master Plan process officially launched in March, funded in part by a grant from the High Foundation. A landscape architecture firm is leading the work, with six study committee meetings planned over an 8-to-10-month timeline. Public participation meetings open to the community will be held once there is something concrete to present — and advance notice will be provided. Borough Council will make the final decision on how to proceed.
Mainspring’s volunteer program has been relaunched with a new application and a clear message: volunteers are an extension of the Mainspring team. Opportunities range from community events and program committees to administrative help and bike share maintenance.
The Mainspring Collective — the organization’s recurring donor program — gives community members a way to pool support and generate lasting impact starting at just $10 a month. As a designated PA DCED Main Street Matters program, approximately 50% of Mainspring’s work is funded through private support from donors and community partners like Ephrata National Bank and Windsor Mount Joy.
A lively Q&A followed the presentation at both sessions. Read the full Q&A below.
With nearly 100 attendees across two sessions, there were more great questions than time allowed. We’ve compiled answers to all questions asked through our digital platform below. While the Mainspring Meetup covers all of our initiatives, many attendees came with questions specifically about the Ephrata Mountain Springs Recreational Preserve. Because the project is still in the Draft Master Plan process, not every question has a complete answer at this time – but we will get there, and the public will be made aware of the plans as they progress. An unanswered question reflects where we are in the process, not a lack of transparency. For a deeper dive into the preserve, we’ve developed a detailed FAQ specific to the Mountain Springs Recreational Preserve here.
Where is the data center being built?
The data center is being built on the former Donnelly Printing site on Harrisburg Pike.
Where is the Mountain Springs area? The Mountain Springs Recreational Preserve area encompasses approximately 200 acres of Borough-owned land on top of Ephrata Mountain.
You referred to “ramp up” — what does that mean? Ephrata’s growth strategy is grounded in real needs and proven demand — we want sustainable businesses that choose to put down roots here for the long term. At this stage, downtown Ephrata is better suited to gradual, steady growth than a rapid influx of traditional retail. Most traditional retail models depend on high daily foot traffic and fast returns that our current downtown environment cannot yet support. Our approach is intentional: build a strong foundation first, then grow from there.
Why is Mainspring promoting data centers? Mainspring is not promoting data centers. We’re simply paying attention to what’s already happening in Lancaster County and asking how Ephrata can benefit. New data centers bring jobs and population growth — and our focus is on positioning the Borough to leverage those opportunities for a stronger local economy. These developments are coming regardless; we want to make sure Ephrata is ready to gain from that reality.
How do I sign up to help with the bikes at the bike shed? We’d love your help! You can sign up at mainspringofephrata.org/resident/volunteer/, email us at contact@mainspringofephrata.org, or call (717) 721-6196.
Lancaster County’s recreation initiative doesn’t identify Ephrata as a focus area. Why is the Mountain a focus? Lancaster County’s Recreation Initiative does specifically identify the northeastern region — which includes Ephrata — as facing a recreational deficit of nearly 200 acres (based on the goal of 5 acres per 1,000 residents). As the largest municipality in that part of the County, Ephrata is well positioned to help address that gap. The County also recognizes recreation destinations as drivers of economic growth. Establishing the Ephrata Mountain Springs Recreational Preserve would strengthen the Borough’s economy — particularly along Main Street — while also serving a real regional need.
What are the biggest events coming up in April? Apart from the Spring Clean-Up, Mainspring doesn’t have a community event scheduled specifically in April, but there’s plenty happening throughout the Borough that we’re proud to support! May 3 is the date for the Second Annual Ephrata Rhythm & Brews and our full summer line up starts on May 28 with our first 4th Wednesday Happy Hour, quickly followed by First Saturday on June 7. Check out the full events calendar at mainspringofephrata.org/events/ to see what’s coming up.
What year are you in the five-year plan? We will have just completed Year 1 by the end of April.
What guidance or framework did you give the firm doing the Draft Master Plan for the Mountain Springs Recreational Preserve? Mainspring developed a Request for Quotes (RFQ) document and distributed it to landscape architecture firms throughout the region. The RFQ incorporated the Department of Conservation & Natural Resources (DCNR) scope of work as a framework, along with Mainspring’s vision for the Borough-owned acreage. Five firms from Berks, Lancaster, and York Counties responded with their proposals.
How do you prepare your annual budget? Mainspring’s Finance Committee meets annually with the Executive Director to develop the budget for the coming fiscal year.
How will focus groups be chosen for the Mountain Springs Recreational Preserve process? The firm hired to execute the Draft Master Plan coordinates all focus group outreach and selection as part of their process.
Will Ephrata Township have input on the Mountain Springs Preserve? Yes. The firm hired to execute the Draft Master Plan is reaching out to Ephrata Township leadership as part of their work.
Has the effect on wildlife been considered for the Mountain Springs project? Absolutely — as have all concerns raised about this initiative. Every concern, email, letter, and petition received has been shared with the firm hired to execute the Draft Master Plan, and these inputs are being considered as part of their analysis and these areas will be addressed.
What is being planned for the Preserve? Is it simply a bike trail? Plans include hiking and mountain bicycling trails, as well as conservation and environmental efforts — including invasive plant management, native species restoration, and potential conservation easements to protect portions of the mountain in perpetuity. The ecology, wildlife management, and conservation efforts are not currently being managed.
With an increase in population to boro how is Ephrata going to meet these housing needs and just not rental properties? Housing is an important community issue, and one that others — including the Borough — are better positioned to address. Mainspring’s focus is on growing the local economy and building the community of Ephrata Borough. While housing falls outside our direct scope, we recognize its importance and support broader community conversations about it.
How do you approach new home buyers who move to Ephrata? Your connection to realtors selling homes in Ephrata? Mainspring is not involved in residential home sales, but when new residents come to us wanting to learn more about Ephrata, we’re always glad to connect them with information about the Borough and its many amenities. Our direct partnerships are primarily with commercial realtors, where our focus is on recruiting businesses into available spaces and supporting economic growth downtown.
What are you doing to encourage more retailers to open shops in Ephrata? Mainspring’s Business Recruitment & Retention Committee actively tours available spaces and reaches out to businesses that would be a great fit for downtown. We’ve developed recruitment materials to share with commercial realtors, and we celebrate every new business that opens its doors here. In our last fiscal year alone, Mainspring hosted nine ribbon cuttings. Our Façade Improvement Grant program has also helped transform building fronts throughout downtown, making Ephrata more inviting to both businesses and customers.
How would a bike lane in Ephrata Borough affect curbside parking? That’s a design question best answered through the Draft Master Plan process. If bicycle lanes are identified as an effective connectivity strategy, the planning firm will factor all relevant considerations — including parking — into their recommendations. It’s too early for Mainspring to weigh in on specific design elements before that analysis is complete.
When will master plan for mountain trail be presented? The Draft Master Plan process is expected to take 8 to 10 months. A firm completion date hasn’t been set yet — the first kick-off meeting was held on March 3, 2026. We’ll share updates as milestones are reached. Please be sure to follow our social media, website, and sign up for our newsletter (at the bottom of every webpage) to stay up to date.
Why didn’t you allow time for questions? We wanted to respect everyone’s time by keeping the meeting close to one hour. Questions were addressed during the session, and any additional questions that came are answered here so the whole community can benefit from the information.
Why didn’t survey get mailed to all? The Ephrata Mountain Springs Recreational Preserve survey was distributed through multiple channels — digital platforms, printed materials, partner organizations (including the Northern Lancaster County Chamber of Commerce), and hard copies available to the public. For two months, it was intentionally shared across a broad geographic area, not just with those who live on or near Ephrata Mountain, because understanding the full range of potential users is important to inform the Draft Master Plan process. Mailing individual surveys to tens of thousands of households was not a practical or cost-effective option, so a multi-channel approach was used to ensure wide participation.
Who is responsible to fix the brick sidewalks that the trees have damaged? Sidewalk repairs are handled by the Borough of Ephrata’s Public Works department. For specific concerns, we’d recommend reaching out to the Borough directly.
Why is a trail on the Mountain needed? We already have areas in place for this. A rail trail and a mountain preserve offer very different experiences — they complement each other rather than compete. A trail system on 200 acres of Ephrata Mountain can provide things a rail trail simply cannot: varied terrain, nature immersion, reduced congestion at existing facilities, a unique draw for visitors, and important ecological stewardship that is not being addressed today. Together, these assets make Ephrata a richer recreational destination.
How is it determined which side streets get paved? Questions about Borough street paving decisions are best directed to the Borough of Ephrata.
Most individuals don’t want trails in the mountain areas. Everyone I have talked to does not want this trail. Thank you for sharing that perspective — our data indicates otherwise. We hear and take seriously all concerns, and all feedback has been shared directly with the firm executing the Draft Master Plan.
Surprised that you are responding to proceed on mountain project with response of approximately 440 response. The survey was never intended to determine whether to proceed — its purpose was to inform the work of the Draft Master Plan process. The number of responses falls well within the typical range for comparable community surveys, providing a reliable foundation for analysis. At this stage, no final decisions have been made; this effort is strictly a planning study, and Borough Council will make the ultimate decision on whether and how to proceed.
Is there any plan to mail preliminary trail “plans” to Mountain-area residents? Not at this time. A mailing was sent to 94 households living in and around Ephrata Mountain in spring 2023 in response to a petition submitted to the Borough, Mainspring, Ephrata Township, and Mayor Mowen. As the Draft Master Plan process advances, we will continue to share updates through our website and other communication channels.
Are there any running clubs in Ephrata? Running clubs aren’t something Mainspring organizes.
There are a lot of security concerns. Has the police chief been informed about these plans? Will they be able to secure the 200 acres? Can 200 acres be secured? Yes — the police chief is aware of the project and has been engaged in the conversation. (See the FAQ for the Preserve for his quote.) A security analysis is included as a component of the Draft Master Plan, so these concerns are being addressed through the formal planning process.