The eastern side of the boundary is Pittsburgh Avenue, which is also the eastern boundary between the Millcreek and the City of Erie. The southern side of the District are the parcel boundaries for properties on the southern side of 12th Street. This ensures that both the public and private realms on both sides of 12th Street can be included and addressed in this plan. The western side of the district extends beyond Peninsula Drive to include several significant properties, including Trinity Cemetery and Waldameer Park. The northern boundary includes the portion of Peninsula Drive leading up to the entrance of the State Park. The boundary follows along the edge of Presque Isle Bay to include all of Scott Park and land adjacent to the water.

One of the first steps in this project was the development of a District boundary. The boundary for the district was determined after considering a variety of factors. The project team included nearby assets with a direct relationship to the State Park - Colony Plaza, West Erie Plaza, Scott Park, Trinity Cemetery and Waldameer Park all are important features within the District. The corridors used to move into and through the district are also important and played a significant role in defining the boundary. These corridors include W 6th Street, W 8th Street, W 12th Street and Peninsula Drive. Since corridors are two-sided all parcels fronting these corridors were included. This provides the opportunity to create consistent streetscape improvements and the integration of the public and private realms on both sides of the street.

The District has a history of recreation and entertainment attractions. Waldameer Park was established in 1896 and has been a large part of the region ever since. The State Park has operated since 1921, and people have been visiting the waterfront beaches for generations. Scott Park has been operated by the Township since 1983 and includes hiking and fitness trails, sports facilities and fields, a picnic pavilion and a playground. The Sommerheim Park Archaeological District was established in 1986 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The District is inextricably connected to recreational uses and activities and any improvements should consider deepening or reflecting this connection.

Presque Isle is home to six distinct ecological zones containing a diversity of species of plants and wildlife. More than 340 species of birds have been recorded on Presque Isle, including the great blue