Little Ausable River Trail is Officially Open
Photos by Tim Mitchell
Developing a walking trail in Peru’s hamlet was first suggested in about 2005. On Sunday, October 5, 2014, years of discussions, planning, grant writing, financing, and construction climaxed at a Ribbon Cutting Opening Ceremony for the Little Ausable River Trail. Click here for individual photos. Click here for slideshow.
An estimated 125 people gathered to begin their 1.25 walk to Heyworth/Mason Park. The ribbon cutting took place at the Route 22 entrance to the trail. At Heyworth-Mason Park Master of Ceremonies Garry Douglas welcomed Assemblywoman Janet Duprey, Supervisor Peter Glushko, James Dawson, a Board member of Parks and Trails New York, and Karen Derusha, Clinton County Health Department’s Principal Educator.
Thanks were extended to the generous donations of property easements by landowners Winnfried and Stephanie Holderied, Cortland Forrence, John and Penny Clute, James Clute and Michael Thompson.
The Federal Transportation Enhancement Program, the Federal Recreational Trails Program, Parks and Trails New York and the Town of Peru funded the project. The Peru Lions Club, Stewart’s Shops, The North Country Chamber of Commerce Community Development Fund and Peru’s Aubuchon Hardware also gave generously to fund trail amenities. Steven Fuller Excavating constructed the trail. Town of Peru employees put the finishing touches on the project.
Garry Douglas took the occasion to present a bouquet of flowers to his wife Adele who wrote the Town of Peru’s grant applications for the $1.06 million project. Grants funded approximately 75% of the total project cost.
The Peru Gazette is grateful to Tim Mitchell for his wonderful photos.
Posted: October 12th, 2014 under Business News, General News, Highway Dept. News, Northern NY News, Peru News, Peru resident news/accomplishments, Peru/Regional History, Planning Board News, State Legislator News, Things to do in & near Peru, Town Board News.
Comments
Comment from bob howard
Time October 14, 2014 at 11:01 pm
perhaps your reader would be interested in this video by Susan Drapeau
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5DU9rSoTXAs
Comment from Cathy Blaine
Time October 17, 2014 at 10:15 am
The trail is very good, but could use some benches along the way for us seniors to rest up. Also, we took our dogs and because it was warm, they were panting heavily. There were no spots for them to get down to the water for a drink. Please take this as constructive criticism or warning if you take your dogs.
Comment from Nancy Hughes
Time October 23, 2014 at 7:47 pm
Did anyone lose a sport watch on the trail?
Comment from Adele Douglas
Time October 31, 2014 at 9:11 am
Nancy: I haven’t heard about a lost watch but someone did lose a fitbit. I guess whatever is found on the trail should be given to the receptionist at the Town Hall (9-3). Also, we can pass along messages to fellow trail users at “Friends of the Little Ausable River Trail” facebook page. Thanks.
Comment from Bill Patnode
Time November 18, 2014 at 11:21 pm
I would encourage all nature lover’s to walk or ride this trail. I enjoyed the trail with my grandchildren ,daughter, and wife. It was even easily accessable using a wheelchair.
Comment from Rodney Brown
Time October 13, 2014 at 6:37 pm
I urge anyone who has not yet walked the trail to do so. The trail is a natural oasis so close to the hamlet. The trail is truly a gift to all Peru residents.