Greetings from
MOUNT JOY TOWNSHIP
www.mtjoytwp.org
The growing community of Mount Joy Township is situated around the vibrant boroughs of Elizabethtown and Mount Joy, containing large agricultural areas and the wooded hills to the north. Our 28 square mile Township has the unique distinction of being the only municipality in Lancaster County that is served by two separate school districts: Donegal School District and Elizabethtown Area School District. Mount Joy Township was “born” in 1759 when it received its papers from the adjacent and much larger Donegal Township. The area was originally inhabited by the Conoy Indians and settled primarily by Scots-Irish and German immigrants. Many small settlements and thriving villages were established in the midst of acres of lush farmland, most of which is actively farmed today. Much like the modern Route 283, the Lancaster, Elizabethtown, Middletown Turnpike was an important road for commerce in those early days that continues to be a key corridor now known as Harrisburg Avenue. Easy access to the highway and Amtrak rail service via two local stations makes our region convenient for commuting, travel, and commerce. Plus we are fortunate to have the Conewago Recreation Trail start at Route 230 and extend all the way into Lebanon County – it may not be the best mode for commuting, but it is one of the more enjoyable walks or bike rides in the area! We have three public parks with plenty of active and passive recreation opportunities throughout the township. The 10-acre Wolgemuth Park (8795 Elizabethtown Road, Elizabethtown) is located next to our Fairview Municipal Complex and features walking paths, baseball and softball fields, and a pavilion with a playground nearby. Cove Outlook Park (405 Old Market Street, Mount Joy) can be found across from the Lancaster County Career & Technology Center’s Mount Joy Campus. Cove Outlook is a 25-acre park consisting of walking paths, a soccer field, four pavilions, and two playground areas. And our newest park, Old Trolley Line Park (475 Beverly Road, Elizabethtown) offers walking trails, a safe and convenient trailhead to the adjacent Conewago Recreation Trail, playgrounds, and three athletic fields. Welcome!
pg 6 v 2022-2023 Elizabethtown Community and Visitors Guide
