JOHNSTOWN - Supporters of the Jim Mayer Trail gathered Friday to celebrate donations of more than $10,000 in recent months.

"It's really exciting to see this project moving forward and getting done," said Brad Clemenson, communications director for the Pennsylvania Environmental Council.

The donations have allowed the project partners to construct nearly one mile of trail along the Stonycreek River behind the Johnstown Corp. mill to Central Avenue in Moxham.

"I hope this is the start of a lot more support from the foundation and the greater community," said Mike Kane, executive director of the Community Foundation for the Alleghenies.

Donations recognized included $3,000 from the foundation, $3,000 from the Lee Foundation, $1,000 from Rezk Medical Supply, $500 from Memorial Medical Center and $500 from Springwater Music Group.

A number of companies such as HRI Inc. and Pristow's Sales & Service have made nonmonetary donations to the expansion of the hiking and biking trail, Clemenson said.

The project partners hope to complete three more sections totaling another mile by the end of the summer, Clemenson said. When completed, the trail will be 3.5 miles long, running from Riverside to Sandyvale Memorial Gardens.

The Conemaugh Valley Conservancy is planning the Mayer Trail extensions.

Project partners also include the Cambria County Conservation and Recreation Authority, the City of Johnstown, the Pennsylvania Environmental Council and the Johnstown Redevelopment Authority.

A future goal is to expand the trail to run all the way up to Greenhouse Park and the manmade whitewater park there.

"This trail will be an enormous quality-of-life benefit for local residents and will encourage people to adopt a more active and healthy lifestyle," said Nicole Stolar, president of the Young Professionals of the Alleghenies (YPA).

The YPA also held a fundraiser for the trail following the donation announcements.

That event was held at Tulune's Southside Saloon along Bridge Street and featured free food and a cash bar.

Total cost for the trail extension is estimated at $12,000.

"It's heartwarming when you get a group of people coming together to make these changes," Stolar said.

More information is available at www.liftjohnstown.org or www.youngpa.org.