If you were selling the specialness of this region to an outsider, you'd start by pointing to recreation and outdoors opportunities, which already have a national reputation.
Presidents have made Pine Creek their fishing hole.
Successful Philadelphia business people make hunting camps in our woods their post-Thanksgiving destination.
That's the sort of branding that can attract tourism and economic development to an area that otherwise might not get such attention.
The Susquehanna RiverWalk and Timber Trail, where ground was broken Thursday for a $2.3 million project, will extend that branding in long-overdue ways.
When completed, there will be a four-mile paved pedestrian loop on the levee along both sides of the river between the Market Street and Maynard Street bridges, plus a connection to a bikeway in Loyalsock Township via Commerce Park Drive.
The river, and the beauty and recreation it provides, is the region's identifying stamp.
With two modern bridges, the only thing now missing is something to bring the river closer to residents and visitors at its geographical apex.
That's what the Susquehanna RiverWalk will do. And in the bargain, the walk will be dotted with heritage and historic displays that will further brand the area in a unique way.
We see a future when visitors to the area will leave their downtown motel for a healthy walk or bike ride along the river. It will become part of the trip.
We see a future when local residents will make the RiverWalk their appointment destination for walking, running or biking. It will become part of the routine.
Health, recreation, tourism and a unique quality of life all will be served by this project.
We just hope the paved ramps are wide enough to handle the traffic.
