The public is invited to explore the past, present and future of Talleyrand Park with Centred Outdoors from 2-5 p.m. Sunday in downtown historic Bellefonte.
First, stop at the Centred Outdoors welcome table for a map of the information stations you’ll visit during your self-guided stroll. Start your adventure at the park’s first addition — the gazebo — designed by late sculptor Rob Fisher and completed in 1976 just in time for US Bicentennial celebrations. Next, visit the Freight House and find out how it was moved to its current location and about future plans for a kayak museum. Nearby, the Bellefonte Historical Railroad Society will be available to answer questions about the town’s railroad history.
Continue on through the park, crossing over two bridges to the site of a former gas station which was donated by Gulf Oil Co. to the Talleyrand Park Committee and converted into what is now the George Gray Barnard sculpture garden. Cross a third bridge to enter the newly created Talleyrand Park Annex and walk around the paved loop to the Edible Landscape and Pollinator Garden. Stop at the gardens to learn about the importance of pollinator plants and what you can plant in your garden to add beauty and color.
Talleyrand Park has grown to what it is today with support and guidance from the all-volunteer Talleyrand Park Committee, which was formed in 1974 and continues on today with leadership from founding member, True Fisher. The committee works alongside the Borough of Bellefonte and other organizations to maintain and improve the park through projects such as vital streambank restoration work led by the Centre County Conservation District.
The self-guided adventure through Talleyrand Park is suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Please bring a reusable water bottle, dress for warm weather and be aware that feeding the ducks is prohibited.
While in town, walk along High and Allegheny streets to watch or join “Chalk the Walk,” a special fundraiser being held from 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. where the public is invited to create colorful artwork with chalk to benefit Downtown Bellefonte Inc. Wrap up your evening with a free concert by the Tussey Mountain Moonshiners at 7 pm at the Talleyrand Park Gazebo. The concert is a part of the Summer Sounds series hosted by the Bellefonte Historical and Cultural Association every Sunday until Aug. 12.
Centred Outdoors is hosted by ClearWater Conservancy and made possible by many partnering organizations that host this summer-long series of free, guided adventures for Centre County residents and visitors. Adventures take place every Sunday from 2-5 p.m. and every Wednesday from 5-8 p.m. from now until Aug. 15. The finalized schedule is available at www.centredoutdoors.org, where users can login to create their own profile, RSVP and receive weekly emails about each event. While online registration is not required, it is the best way to receive event updates. Look to Good Life in the CDT every week and www.centredaily.com for complete details about the upcoming Centred Outdoors destination.
Planning to attend this week’s adventure? Here’s what you need to know:
What: Centred Outdoors: Talleyrand Park in Bellefonte
When: 2-5 p.m. Sunday (self-guided walk with information stations)
Where: 300 W. High St., Bellefonte, PA 16823.
Parking: The main parking area is located on West High Street and a smaller, accessible parking lot is located south of the park on South Water Street, just after the Subway if coming in from State College.
What to bring:
A refillable water bottle
Sun protection including a hat and sunscreen
Comfortable walking shoes
A light snack or picnic
Difficulty of hike: This .7 stroll is easy, and suitable for all ages. There are stairs leading up to two of the bridges at the park.
Hike times: Sunday’s walk is self-guided with information stations open between 2-5 pm.
Additional Information:
This is a pet friendly destination. Please keep your pet on a leash and clean up after your pet.
Restroom facilities are available at this destination.
Next week’s adventure: Centred Outdoors will be in downtown State College Sunday, July 8 and 11 with art-inspired hikes to celebrate Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts.
Andrea Murrell is the strategic communications coordinator at ClearWater Conservancy.
