Johnstown, Pa. (WJAC) — Some Johnstown natives say Lorain Park was their go-to hang out spot back in the day.

"We would bring some snacks and come up here and hang out, and of course, watch all of our friends play baseball,” said Cambria County resident Debbie Grove.

Sunday afternoon, something new was officially added to that park for future generations: the Lorain-Stonycreek Hiking Trails.

Lorain Borough Mayor Michael Hammers says creating the trails took about eight months.

"We have about 88 acres of hiking trails behind us here, and it's been neglected for about 13 years. We're trying to bring some life back,” said Mayor Hammers.

The Mayor was joined by Councilman Michael Kuharcik in making the trails since they formed the idea last fall.

Kuharcik says it gave them a workout when the gyms were closed during quarantine.

"(We were) physically raking and using a backpack blower to blow the leaves, and we made a trail out of nothing,” Kuharcik says.

There’s about six trails in total; the creators started with one big mile and a half loop and added more trails over time.

They expect the “Pathway to the Falls” trail to become the fan favorite.

"That’ll take you all the way up to these beautiful waterfalls in Sam's Run that nobody would have any idea was in our community, and right in our backyard off of Ohio Street,” Kuharcik said.

Today’s kickoff event in the park was to raise money to eventually add bridges, campsites, and picnic tables, and to buy their own tools.

"Forty to fifty years from now, our family members and friends can say, hey, that trail system is there because these guys did that, and they gave back to the community,” Kuharcik said.

More information can be found on their Facebook Page: Lorain-Stonycreek Hiking Trails.

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