Lancaster City Council Unanimously Approves Ground Lease for Environmental Center

Historic Environmental Center Coming to Lancaster

In a groundbreaking move towards environmental stewardship, the Lancaster City Council has unanimously approved a 99-year ground lease agreement with Partners for Environmental Stewardship. This monumental agreement grants the organization access to approximately nine acres on the Sunnyside Peninsula, marking the beginning of an ambitious initiative aimed at developing a state-of-the-art environmental center and a sprawling 70-acre urban nature preserve surrounding Quarry Lake.

A Vision for Community Connection

The approval signifies a critical step in the realization of the 2023 Comprehensive Plan, which envisions transforming the northern part of the peninsula into the city’s first nature preserve. The environmental center will serve as a significant resource to reconnect the community with the beautiful Conestoga River, addressing pressing regional environmental challenges head-on. Diana Martin, Executive Director of Partners for Environmental Stewardship, expressed that this agreement is not merely a land lease but a significant pledge towards Lancaster's ecological future. "At a time when environmental challenges can feel overwhelming, we're building a center for action, learning, and hope. It will be a place where ideas turn into impact—and where Lancaster leads by example," she stated excitedly.

Impacts of the Project

Mayor Danene Sorace echoed Martin's sentiments, emphasizing the potential benefits for Lancaster residents by enhancing access to natural spaces and creating opportunities for education and community engagement. Given that Lancaster County plays a pivotal role in the health of the Chesapeake Bay, accounting for over 20% of Pennsylvania's necessary reductions in nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediment, this project is particularly timely. Currently, more than half of the county’s 1,400 miles of streams are deemed impaired, highlighting the urgency and significance of this initiative.

Hilary Falk, President and CEO of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, proclaimed that with strategic investments, Lancaster can emerge as a national benchmark for water innovation and ecological restoration, reinforcing the city's integral role in promoting environmental health.

Collaborative Efforts for a Greener Future

To advance this transformation, several key environmental organizations have signed Memoranda of Understanding to collaborate on designing the future Environmental Center and shape its comprehensive programming. This partnership includes organizations like Lancaster Conservancy, Lancaster Clean Water Partners, and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, who are committed to utilizing the center as a base for offices, educational programs, and community engagement.

The project is enhanced by a generous $10 million commitment from the High Foundation, which has prioritized environmental endeavors. The total estimated cost for the center is projected to be between $36 million and $40 million, aimed to be covered through philanthropic contributions and governmental grants.

S. Dale High, Chair of the High Foundation, highlighted the organization's dedication to fostering a healthier and more vibrant community with this meaningful investment.

Next Steps in the Project

In anticipation of this exciting endeavor, earlier this year, Partners for Environmental Stewardship initiated a master site planning process for the 70-acre Sunnyside nature preserve, in collaboration with the City of Lancaster. According to the lease agreement, the land will be formally designated as a nature preserve throughout the entire 99-year duration of the lease.

The internationally recognized landscape architecture firm Andropogon will lead the master site planning, focusing on public access, recreational amenities, educational opportunities, and ecological restoration efforts. The anticipated completion date for this plan is slated for spring 2026.

Simultaneously, plans for the environmental center itself are underway, driven by Greenfield Architects. The facility is designed to adhere to the highest sustainable standards, featuring renewable energy generation, advanced water management systems, and eco-friendly materials. Construction is set to commence in 2027.

A Legacy of Stewardship

Fritz Schroeder, President and CEO of Lancaster Conservancy, expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating, "Sunnyside is a truly special place shaped by both the Conestoga River and its own rich history. Together, we will create a place where children can learn, neighbors can gather, wildlife can thrive, and the community can connect to the land and the river for generations to come."

The Partners for Environmental Stewardship initiative aims not only to broaden equitable outdoor access but also to ignite innovative solutions addressing both local and regional environmental issues, positioning Lancaster as a crucial player in sustainability efforts.

Conclusion

This ambitious project underscores the collective commitment of Lancaster City towards building a sustainable future. With crucial partnerships, substantial funding, and visionary leadership, the environmental center on Sunnyside Peninsula promises to be a beacon of hope and action for present and future generations, nurturing a robust culture of environmental stewardship in Lancaster City.