Along the Trail - September 2009
FIRST SATURDAY WALKERS GET A LOOK AT IMPROVEMENTS AT HAMMONASSET
Dozens of walkers enjoyed yet another spectacular day for walking in September. Participants got a chance to see where last year’s $100,000 grant from Anthem is being spent to bring the Shoreline Greenway Trail west from the entrance to Hammonasset Beach State Park in Madison. Trailmeister Perry Rianhard led the walk along Route 1, through the woods and out into a clearing with stunning marsh views.
UNIMPROVED TRAIL SECTION IS NEXT FIRST SATURDAY WALK
(photo by Pam Bisbee-Simonds)
The Shoreline Greenway Trail First Saturday Walk will be October 3 at 10 a.m. in Branford, on the proposed SGT trail from Alps Road to the trolley track. We will walk from Alps Road through laurel groves, ending at a beautiful view of the Farm River Estuary and return (approximately 1 1/2 mile total). It is important to note that this is an unimproved trail in the early stages of development and is not suitable for strollers. Join walk leaders on Katy-Joe Lane. Directions: To get there from Route 1 at the base of the Branford Hill, take Alps Road (between Wendy’s and TDBank) for approx. one mile. Look for SGT signs directing you to park on Katy-Joe Lane, across from the entrance to Hearth at Gardenside. There is no parking at Gardenside due to construction!
STANTEC BEGINS WORK ON FEASIBILITY STUDY
Engineering firm Stantec Consulting Services, Inc., of Hamden, began work on the long-awaited feasibility study this month, working with representatives from SGT, the Department of Transportation, the South Central Regional Council of Governments and the four shoreline towns. Stantec will physically review the proposed route and access maps, geographic data, photos and other information provided by SGT and the towns. The firm will hold public information meetings, produce a report on the relevant issues and challenges of the proposed route, potentially make recommendations for alternate plans, and help prioritize spending for the federal grant money that SGT received. The work is expected to take 6-8 months, but interim reports and meetings will allow SGT to begin acting on Stantec’s findings.
FALL FUNDRAISING TO BEGIN…
The Shoreline Greenway Trail is poised to begin its fall fundraising drive, with some new initiatives in mind. The success of our previous all-town mailing brought in hundreds of new supporters and invigorated the efforts of the active volunteers. We hope to repeat that surge of enthusiasm and support this year with another all-town mailing. In addition, SGT has established new categories of support for businesses. Many businesses and business organizations know that recreational trails help local economy, by attracting customers and improving quality of life for employees. The Shoreline Greenway Trail has been generously supported since its inception by in-kind contributions and sponsorships. These new categories of membership allow us to better recognize donations and in-kind assistance, and they provide new opportunities for business owners in all industries to gain recognition for their efforts in the local community.
WITH ADDED HELP
Several new members have joined the SGT Board of Directors and its regularadministrative helpers recently. Branford resident Regina Romero, a business manager at Yale, was appointed as an advisory board member and financial administrator. Judy Miller, retired educator from Sacred Heart University, was appointed as an advisory board member to assist with volunteers and writing. Terry Maguire, a local businessman with experience on non-profit boards, will serve as our new treasurer, working closely with the chairman, accountant and new financial administrator.
(photo by Pat Anderson)
Keep your eyes peeled this fall for a printed newsletter coming via U.S. mail!
Posted: Sep 23, 03:10 PM
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» First Saturday Monthly Walk, September 5, 2009 Hammonasset Beach State Park