There's something magical about standing atop the ridge that overlooks our beloved Ephrata – the same vantage point where the grand Mountain Springs Hotel once welcomed presidents Lincoln, Buchanan, and Grant to our community. Today, that mountain holds the same potential to transform Ephrata's future, and we need your input to make it happen.
A Vision Taking Shape
Mainspring of Ephrata is in the exciting early stages of planning for the Mountain Springs Recreational Preserve. We’re just beginning to work with engineers to understand what’s possible on our “Ephrata Mountain,” and we want to ensure our vision aligns perfectly with what our community wants and needs.
Imagine walking or biking through carefully maintained trails that wind through the mountain, connecting to designated conservation areas where native species thrive. This isn’t about changing the mountain’s character – it’s about enhancing what already makes it special. Depending on results of the feasibility study as well as input from local government and the community, the preserve could reopen existing trails for hiking and bicycling, create safe perimeters around existing structures, and connect this natural treasure to downtown Ephrata through bicycle lanes along Main Street.
Why This Matters for Our Community
The Mountain Springs Recreational Preserve represents far more than recreational trails – it’s about creating the kind of destination that brings vitality to our entire community. Just look at what we’ve already accomplished right here in Ephrata.
The Warwick to Ephrata Rail Trail has become a regional draw, bringing cyclists and walkers directly to our downtown. Similarly, the Ephrata Bike Park @ Heatherwood – Pennsylvania’s first municipal bike park – continues to attract mountain biking enthusiasts from across the region, many of whom discover our local restaurants and shops after their rides.
Pennsylvania’s outdoor recreation economy generates an astounding $28.5 billion in total economic impact, supporting nearly 250,000 jobs. When we create quality outdoor experiences, we create economic opportunities that benefit everyone.
The Economic Connection
Here’s where the magic happens: when we create destinations like the Mountain Springs Recreational Preserve and connect them to downtown through bicycle lanes, we’re creating a pipeline that brings outdoor enthusiasts directly to Main Street.
A family finishes a beautiful hike on the preserve, follows the connected bike lanes down to Main Street, and discovers they’re hungry for lunch at Scratch Bakes or thirsty for a craft beer at Pour Man’s. This connects perfectly to our ongoing downtown revitalization efforts, including our successful Façade Improvement Grant program, which assists commercial property owners in making improvements to their building exteriors. This program has already awarded $50,000 in matching grant funding to help multiple owners create and maintain inviting spaces for these new visitors to discover.
Your Input Shapes the Future
Here’s the thing – this vision only works if it reflects what our community actually wants and needs. As we begin working with engineers to understand the technical possibilities, we need to hear from everyone who calls the Ephrata area home to ensure we’re hitting the mark.
The survey is open now through October 31st, and your perspective is crucial. Whether you’re an avid hiker, a casual walker, someone who loves mountain biking, or a resident who simply wants thoughtful conservation of our natural spaces, your input will directly shape what we create.
Are you excited about connecting the mountain to downtown? Do you have concerns about trail impact or parking? Are there specific outdoor activities you’d love to see supported? What would make this preserve most valuable to you and your family?
Building Tomorrow Together
The Mountain Springs Recreational Preserve represents the same forward-thinking spirit that has guided all of Mainspring’s successful initiatives – from the award-winning Ephrata Unleashed Dog Park, to the Franklin Street Mural, to our Main Street America accreditation. When our community comes together around a shared vision, remarkable things happen.
This preserve could become the crown jewel of our outdoor recreation offerings, a destination that brings visitors from across the region while providing our residents with incredible opportunities right in their backyard.
Take the Survey Today
Ready to help shape this exciting future? Visit bit.ly/RecPreserve to access the Mountain Springs Recreational Preserve survey. It takes just a few minutes, and every response helps us work with engineers to create a preserve that truly serves our community.
The survey closes October 31st – your voice is essential to making this vision a reality. Together, we’re not just preserving a mountain – we’re creating a legacy that will benefit Ephrata for generations to come.
Stay updated on the Mountain Springs Recreational Preserve project at mainspringofephrata.org and follow us on social media for the latest news and opportunities to get involved.