Emmaus Recognized as a Great Place in PA by the APA

November 6th, 2018



The Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Planning Association announced the Great Places for 2018 in two categories: Great Public Spaces and Great Greenways/Trails. Great Places are unique, memorable places that work not only for their community, but as a model others want to emulate – places of exemplary character, quality, planning, identity, cultural interest, and community involvement with a sustainable vision for tomorrow.

Emmaus Borough, Lehigh County, was recognized. Emmaus is the only town in PA with a triangle as its center. The triangle, which has been part of the Emmaus community since 1759, originally served as the location for crops and livestock to benefit townspeople, then as the site of a hotel. 

Following demolition of the hotel in 1923, the triangle was officially established as a park. Today, people of all ages frequent the Park, locally referred to as “The Triangle,” to enjoy passive recreation and community events. A special feature, located in the heart of The Triangle, is a fountain that is lighted during the evening hours May through October. Other features include park benches, drinking fountain, flowers, trees, calendar kiosk, and wrought iron fencing.

Among the events hosted in the Park are an Old Fashioned Christmas Lighting, SnowBlast Winter Arts Festival, Farewell to Summer Festival, educational presentations, and the starting point for foot and bike races. Residents and visitors alike take pride in this special place.

For more information, click here.