Jack Maguire

Now, in the midst of winter, the onset of warmer temperatures is greatly hoped for. In just weeks spring will be here and already people can see the light at the end of the winter tunnel. With the coming improvements in the weather also comes the opportunity for outdoor sports and recreation. One of the greatest treasures in our communities are walking trails. As much as we all enjoy them seldom do we stop and think about the time, hard work, and money that have been invested into them. And this isn’t being done by some large contractor but by people just like us….volunteers. It is the volunteers that make it happen.

“I enjoy working with volunteers, “ explained Jack Maguire, active in the development and implementation of the Saltsburg trail and originator of the trail under the Rte 286 Bridge. “We are all there for the same purpose. Wages don’t come into it, we’re there because we want to be.”

In 1994 when the Conemaugh Valley Conservancy (CVC) formed the Non-profit Land Conservation Group, Jack joined along with over two hundred others. They came together with one purpose, to use the abandoned train lines as hiking and biking trails. This was the beginning of a very fruitful relationship. Jack was one of the original directors of CVC His background work as a civil engineer gave him the ability to recognize the cost involved in the project, which in turn permitted him to help the project find ways to save money.

Jacks first project was a 3.3-mile section of trail that started at Westinghouse Road northwest of Blairsville and crosses the Conemaugh River four times. Thinking it an interesting and challenging venture, Jack delved right into the project. He designed a way to get over the ridge by using two sets of steps and a switchback ramp. This project was finished this past fall. Jack also designed two bridges along the Saltsburg trail area. Saltsburg plays a part in the West Penn Trail. The Saltsburg section passes through the backwoods by visible canal and railroad remnants along the Conemaugh River. It runs for about 4.5 miles from Saltsburg to Elders Run. Because of the investment made by Jack and others, Saltsburg has become a hub in the trail system.

A future project that Jack is involved in is the Conemaugh Dam trail, which will go from the parking lot through a 600 acre piece of ground. The 12-mile trail will connect to Saltsburg. Plans are also to construct a new bridge across the Conemaugh River to reach Blairsville and then join the trail in Indiana. “We are developing a tremendous network of trails.”

Jack has always had an exuberant desire to be involved in his community. Even before he began working on the development of Saltsburg’s trails, he was investing in other areas of his town. He purchased several historical buildings in Saltsburg to keep them from being demolished and tried unsuccessfully to save the old railroad station. He even tried to purchase that building as well to keep it from being torn down. Jack is Treasurer of the Saltsburg Area Historical Society, Director of Historical Saltsburg Inc., President of the Salt Center Foundation and member of the Lions Club.

Be sure to watch the video interview with Jack Maguire.