Lackawaxen supervisors approve plans for 10th annual Two Rivers Marathon

LACKAWAXEN TWP. — The 10th annual Two Rivers Marathon is scheduled March 26-27 in the village of Lackawaxen. Township supervisors approved the event January 24.

Supervisor Chairman Jeffrey Shook commended Mark Hughes, one of the Race Directors, for the good job they did last year in picking up water bottles along teh route, and also noted that the Marathon did better in regards to putting up signs to notify motorists of runners ahead.

The highly popular event is both a full marathon and a half marathon, as well as a 10K and a 5K. They run on Saturday and on Sunday, with the start and end point at Lackawaxen Park, 107 Scenic Drive, Lackawaxen.

The route follows Route 590 to Towpath Road, with the full marathon turn-around point at 6.55 miles on the Towpath, about half way down this scenic road overlooking the Lackawaxen River.

Each event has its own turnaround. Full marathon runners take the loop twice to complete the 26.2 miles; the half-marathon does only one loop.

Food, water and medals are provided at the end of each race (and water stations every two miles).

Hughes stated that runners have to stay on the river side of the road, using about half the lane. They plan to put out 300 safety cones, one cone per 100 feet. Shook advised that enough signage is more important, alerting drivers that a marathon is in progress.

He advised having a sign at Kimbles.

In an interview, Hughes said that last year they hosted a record turnout of approximately 900 runners, and registrations are on track for another good year. A long-time runner and triathlete, Hughes started the Two Rivers Marathon 10 years ago. The route changed from the Masthope Plank Road to the Towpath Road last year.

Two Rivers Marathon is in the top 25 of Boston qualifier times of all marathons in the U.S.

The race director noted that the Two Rivers Marathon contributes to the local economy, with runners booked at area lodging facilities in Lackawaxen Township. For more information on the marathon see tworiversmarathon.com.

Pavillion fees

There was much discussion about revising the fees charged for use of the new pavilion at Veterans Memorial Park.

During the workshop, where the board discusses matters to be voted on at the regular meeting that follows, the public is prone to give input, helping to guide the supervisors.

Chairman Shook said that the board wants to cover their expenses to clean up after a party or group rents the pavilion. The initial proposal was to set the rate at $150 for a township resident plus a $100 security deposit; no charge for Lackawaxen Township veterans or nonprofit organizations in the township; and $500 plus a $500 security deposit for both for-profit commercial uses, and rentals by non-township residents.

There was much banter from there. Supervisor Michael Mancino expressed concern that the $500 rate for a non-Lackawaxen Township resident was way too much. "If someone wants to come and enjoy the park, and bring people from out of the area, now we're showcasing Lackawaxen Park. In a sense it is P.R., 'Hey, let's come to Lackawaxen, they got this really cool park.' This to me doesn't seem as welcoming to someone who is out of town."

Mancino suggested perhaps "$100 for a resident and $150 for an out-of-towner." Shook said that they have discussed that a hundred dollars doesn't cover their expenses. Mancino countered that in his view, the Lackawaxen resident already pays taxes to use their park, so they should not be burdened.

Someone from the audience suggested maybe a fee of $250 for a non-resident. That prompted another man in the audience why they would want to welcome a lot of "outsiders." Yet another person in the audience mentioned the people who rented Airbnbs — short-term rental homes — who may bring a large party of guests to the park but may not respect the property as much as a resident.

The supervisors decided to table the matter until the February 28 supervisors meeting.

Washing machines

They also tabled a decision on purchasing commercial washing machines, one for each of the four fire departments in the township. Shook proposed that this may be a good use for the American Recovery Plan (ARP) federal money the township received, totaling $257,000. There are limited ways the funds may be used. The proposal was not to exceed $5,000 for this purchase.

The machines are used to clean firefighters' gear having been potentially exposed to cancer-causing agents in a structure fire, he said.

There was considerable talk back and forth about the need. It was noted that this type if cleaning is seldom required. One of the fire companies takes their gear to Bushkill to be cleaned. Another hires a truck to come in with the washing facilities.

Also discussed

• The next Lackawaxen supervisors meeting was postponed a week, to Monday, February 28 with the workshop at 6:30 p.m. followed by the regular meeting at 7 p.m. They meet at the Township offices off Urban Road.

• A man in the audience raised a concern that his neighbor on Engvaldsen Road has no land-line phone service, and cell phone service is spotty. Neither Lackawaxen Telephone nor Blue Ridge Cable TV extend their service there. He stated that the neighbor recently moved in. Verizon would not run a line to her house, he said.

• Shook suggested that possibly the ARP funds can pay for having the service brought in, since infrastructure is one of the approved uses of the money. He said he would contact both the phone company and Blue Ridge.

• Lackawaxen Township Fire Commission has reorganized, and will have a board of seven. Each of the four fire chiefs, a representative from Lackawaxen Ambulance and two of the supervisors (with the third as an alternate) will make up of the board. Township Solicitor Thomas Farley is working on a resolution for the supervisors to pass, approving the change to the commission.
  

This article originally appeared on Tri-County Independent: 10th Two Rivers Marathon plans approved; pavilion fees debated