At Mellott, we’ve always believed in the power of collaboration, whether we’re serving our customers, supporting our employees, or giving back to our community. That’s why we’re especially proud to have played a role in bringing a one-of-a-kind community project to life: the new bike washing station at the Pennsylvania Turnpike’s Sideling Hill Trailhead, opening this September.
This unique, tree-shaped bike wash is more than just functional, it’s a piece of public art. Designed and built with creativity and skill by students from Forbes Road and Southern Fulton High Schools, with guidance from teaching artist, Jeremy Waak and trades professionals, the 12-foot by 25-foot structure blends art, engineering, and the natural beauty of Pennsylvania’s landscape.
Mellott was honored to support the project by donating labor and materials, as well as providing project management, detailed engineering, fabrication, assembly, and painting. For us, it was more than just a community contribution, it was an opportunity to connect with local students, educators, and the Pennsylvania Turnpike team on something that will benefit residents and visitors for years to come.
“Coming together to successfully accomplish goals is what Mellott is all about, whether for customers, ourselves, or our community,” said Greg Walters, Sr. Manager of Safety, Training & Performance for Mellott. “For this project, besides helping our community, the added benefit was getting to better know and work with the school leaders, students, and the Turnpike representatives. As projects tend to go, always coming down to ‘crunch time’, our engineering, purchasing, manufacturing, service, and training departments performed flawlessly working to support this community effort.”
For Mellott, this project also carries historical significance. Nearly 85 years ago, Mellott supplied stone for the original construction of the Pennsylvania Turnpike. Today, as the Turnpike celebrates that anniversary,
we’re proud to again contribute to a project that reflects innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to serving the community.
The Sideling Hill Trailhead will officially open on Saturday, September 20, 2025, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and celebration from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. The trailhead offers access to more than 600 miles of trails within a 25-mile radius, including Buchanan State Forest, Raystown Lake, and Bicycle PA Route S making it an incredible addition for cyclists, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
We’re excited for everyone to experience the new trailhead and to see the student-designed bike wash in action. For Mellott, it’s a reminder of the impact we can have when we bring together our expertise, our community, and our commitment to building something that lasts.
