INITIATIVES
Beyond event-planning, our mission is to point out & add-to the incredible things that make our area great. We love spending time brainstorming and implementing simple, creative ways to beautify Flood City.​
Johnstown City Flag
Designed by local Jill Skowron-Gontkovic, the commemorative City flag was adopted by City Council, in August 2019, after You in Flood City challenged the community to create a flag that the community could rally behind. If you pay attention, you'll now see this recognizable symbol popping up all over - car magnets, buildings, flag poles, and more!
Description by designer, Jill:
"The green represents the hills, trails and outdoor recreation of Johnstown. The blue representing the rivers and water recreation. I went with three arches for the 3 major floods, and the 3 rivers: Stonycreek, Conemaugh and the Little Conemaugh Rivers. The arches make up the Stone Bridge, which is a major landmark of Johnstown. The three yellow stars represent Iron, coal, and steel, which are central to the town of Johnstown."
little red mailbox
What began as a small act of love, in Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina, quickly caught fire when the first sister-mailbox was erected in 2016 in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. And, since it's placement, Flood City visitors have been sharing their words of kindness, inspiration, and daily thoughts with each other through just a pen and journal.
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The Little Red Mailbox of Hope is located at Point Park (the overlook, across from Sargent's Stadium, where the Stonycreek and Little Conemaugh Rivers meet). It has the words "Leave a note of hope" written on it's front door and, when opened, you can find a journal and pen inside. The mailbox is surrounded by colorful rocks left by passerby's and a beautiful garden that is maintained by the Garden Club of Johnstown.
stick library
Next time you and your pooch are looking for a great spot to run & play, head to Sandyvale Memorial Gardens near the Hornerstown section of Johnstown. Not only will you find access to the Jim Mayer walking and biking trail, you'll also find a beautiful Greenhouse, gardens, and a fenced in dog park tucked way back in along the river! If you're lucky, you'll see some kayakers passing by on the Stonycreek.
cycling without age
Cycling Without Age (CWA) is a movement started in 2012 by a Denmark man named Ole Kassow. Ole wanted to help the elderly get back on bicycles, but he had to find a solution to their limited mobility. The answer was a trishaw bicycle (a bicycle with a seat on the front to hold riders) and he started offering free bike rides to the local nursing home residents.
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CWA-Johnstown is one of 2,500 chapter locations throughout 51 countries.
We are very proud to report, the first CWA-Johnstown triobike was put into action at Laurel View Village (Davidsville, PA) in August 2023!