Hawley’s Outdoor Towns Initiative Aims to Boost Economy and Access to Nature

Hawley, PA — Hawley is exploring how its rivers, trails, and open spaces can drive economic growth through the Outdoor Towns initiative, a community-driven planning program designed to enhance public access to nature.

“The Outdoor Towns initiative goes back to this toolkit created by the PA Environmental Council,” explained Liam Mayo of The River Reporter. “It helps towns figure out ways to better use their outdoor spaces and revitalize their natural economies.”

Hawley’s plan, guided by consultants from Eastwick Solutions, combines public input and an action team of local residents. Ideas include expanding trails, constructing a pedestrian bridge over the Lackawaxen River, updating trail maps, and promoting outdoor dining and events.

“The priorities people ranked highly were about creating more ways to access nature,” Mayo said. “Some projects, like adding Hawley’s trails to the AllTrails app, can happen quickly. Others, like the pedestrian bridge, will take longer and require planning and funding.”

The initiative emphasizes natural development as economic development, aiming to attract tourists who use local trails, rivers, and lakes while supporting small businesses. Outdoor recreation contributed $19 billion to Pennsylvania’s economy in 2023, showing the potential of nature-focused growth.

Residents interested in learning more or participating can visit visithawleypa.com.

Image: Community input from prior meetings was listed on sheets of paper around the room at a Tuesday, January 20 public meeting for Hawley’s Outdoor Towns initiative. (Liam Mayo/River Reporter)