Ridgway Borough Boasts a New Website and Upcoming Campground
Pictured is a drawing of one of the fire rings created by Innovative Customs LLC in Ridgway. Photo by Innovative Customs LLC
The Ridgway Mills Primitive Campground is expected to debut Memorial Day weekend 2021. Planning for a primitive campground began during budget season, said Code Enforcement Officer Michael Handley.
The campground is anticipated to offer 10 riverfront campsites and 15 total in the wooded area. The large lots will be perfect for tents or pop-up campers, said Handley, and can fit one vehicle.
Handley was among several people from the community that attended a conference in West Virginia that focused on balancing nature and commerce, he said, which initiated the idea.
The plan is to utilize Ridgway’s “number one asset,” said Handley, the Clarion River. “We want people to come here and stay here, not just travel through,” he said. “This is a kickstart to that.”
The campground has been a community effort, says Handley. It has been a bonus utilizing local business products for campground necessities, such as fire rings created by Innovative Customs of Ridgway, which specializes in plasma work, custom accessories and light fabrication. Placards to identify each campsite are being created by Elkwood Arts.
Not only does this support local businesses, Handley said, but the campground will help bring new people into town, who will hopefully visit businesses in the area as well.
Ridgway Borough is also “relaunching” its website, being developed by Red Porch Agency LLC, a local graphic design business. Campsites will be able to be booked and paid for through the online platform. Any revenue produced by the campground will go into the Ridgway Mills Fund, which will continue to improve redevelopment, said Handley.