The Cameron County Project, Pennsylvania
With approximately 4,500 residents, Cameron County is the least populated county in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. It boasts an abundance of natural beauty, including expansive forests and outdoor recreation opportunities. Once home to thriving industries, Cameron County has faced economic challenges as major employers left over the years. Through Community Heart & Soul, the community has restored pride, celebrated its heritage, and shaped a vision for the future. The county seat, Emporium, serves as a central hub, but efforts have been made to ensure all towns and villages within the county feel included in revitalization efforts.
Local conditions:
Cameron County initiated Community Heart & Soul to address declining morale and economic challenges following the loss of major employers. Community Heart & Soul became a vital initiative to unite the residents, amplify their voices, and collaboratively shape a hopeful vision for the county’s future. The timing was right to engage the community, particularly youth, business owners, and longtime locals, in meaningful conversations. By emphasizing storytelling and involving everyone, the initiative helped bridge gaps, strengthen civic pride, and create actionable plans to guide decision-making and community revitalization efforts.
Partnership:
Cameron County is part of PA Heart & Soul, a growing network of Pennsylvania towns organized and supported by PA Humanities. PA Humanities played a key role in bringing the Community Heart & Soul program to Cameron County, providing funding, training, and resources to guide the project’s progress. As the state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, PA Humanities also helped lead storytelling efforts, foster resident engagement, and support the creation of a community-driven action plan.
Heart & Soul Outcomes:
- RECAP (Resident-Envisioned Community Action Plan): The RECAP, adopted by local government, is driving critical decisions, from feasibility studies to grant applications.
- Super Weekend (formerly Super Saturday): Revitalizing the once-popular Super Saturday into a full Super Weekend celebration has provided a platform for local businesses and residents to showcase their talents, products, and community spirit.
- Local Leadership: The success of Community Heart & Soul has inspired residents to step up in leadership roles, such as Project Coordinator Jess Herzing’s successful run for county commissioner, bringing new perspectives to local governance.
- Dark Skies Initiative: The creation of the Dark Sky Park near Emporium has turned a reclaimed site into a destination for stargazing, trails, and nature programs, offering residents and visitors unique opportunities to connect with the county’s natural beauty.
- Streetscaping and Accessibility Improvements: Upgrades to curb cuts and sidewalks in downtown Emporium have made the area safer and more navigable, particularly for residents with mobility challenges and elderly visitors accessing local services.
- Recreation Center Upgrades: Improvements to the Emporium Recreation Center, funded with more than $260,000 in state support, have created a modern and welcoming space for youth activities, fitness, and community gatherings.
- Community Dog Park: A new dog park provides a dedicated space for neighbors to exercise pets and socialize, helping to build community connections while addressing concerns about dogs on shared trails. This project was realized by the work of a group of residents in partnership with the borough of Emporium and the SPCA.
- Gravel and Mountain Biking Trail Access: Efforts by the county and Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to promote and improve gravel and mountain biking trails, including trail maps and access enhancements, have expanded recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike.
- Business & Innovation Hub: The Cameron County Chamber of Commerce’s addition of an Innovation Center has created a hub for entrepreneurship and workforce development, giving local residents access to business resources, industrial kitchen space, networking, and opportunities to start or grow enterprises.
