Bond Vote Would Support Trail Construction

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A Newsletter by the City of Saco, Maine	October, 2006	Return to newsletter index

Saco is fortunate to have three groups that are actively pursuing the establishment of off-road trails: the Eastern Trail Alliance, the River Walk Trail Committee, and Saco Bay Trails. Each has plans for developing trails that will enhance the quality of life for Saco residents, and each is in need of funding to meet these goals.

The Riverwalk Trail

A $1 million bond is proposed for 'Trail Improvements,' funds that would be utilized for trail design and construction and, potentially, as local match funds to leverage state and federal dollars for work on the Eastern Trail. Trail projects for which bond funds are proposed include the River Walk Trail downtown, the recently acquired Horton property off Buxton Road, and construction of portions of the Eastern Trail including from Cascade Road south to the Saco River, bridging Route One near Goosefare Brook, and a bridge across the Saco River. Each group has goals, consistent with sound health, recreation, and community benefits. Collectively the trails that are proposed offer the residents of Saco an opportunity for recreation, socializing, physical fitness and connecting neighborhoods. The Eastern Trail Alliance (ETA) is a group of Saco, Scarborough, Arundel and Kennebunkport residents who are supporting the development of the Eastern Trail, a 55-mile long trail that traces the route of the old Eastern rail line route from Kittery to South Portland. Portions of the Eastern Trail that are complete, or nearly so, include the South Portland Greenbelt and the Scarborough Marsh trail. Why? Because these communities identified the value of a trails network such as the one proposed in Saco, and committed local funds to creating a resource used by families, children walking to school, seniors, recreational users and more.

The eastern Trail

The River Walk Trail will offer visitors a 3,500 foot stroll along the shore of the Saco River, beginning in Pepperell Square and connecting downtown with Beach Street. Construction of the River Walk commenced in Fall 2005 and will be half complete by winter. (continued) The final phase, in the existing Riverfront Park, is also the most challenging due to terrain and cost, estimated at $200,000. Saco Bay Trails has been responsible for the establishment and upkeep of several popular trails, including the Ferry Landing trail near Camp Ellis. SBT proposes to improve the trails network on a recently acquired 100-acre parcel off Buxton Road, and to construct a bike path connecting Industrial Park Road and Flag Pond Road. The cost of the two projects is estimated at $125,000. An off-road trails network is a welcome and widely accepted addition to community life. Residents' access to the Heath, the Saco River, beaches, Cascade Falls and other natural features, as well as connections between neighborhoods and alternative transportation options will be improved and enhanced by providing funds for the design and construction of an expanded trails system throughout Saco.