The town of Elsmere is the latest focus of the First State’s effort to build its system of biking and hiking trails.
Gov. Jack Markell joined DNREC Secretary Collin O’Mara and town officials Monday as they announced funding for a 1-mile urban trail in Elsmere.
The trail will run between the town’s Maple Avenue and Fairgrounds parks, but DelDOT Trails Planner Jeff Niezgoda says it’s a slightly different project than the typical recreational trail.
“We refer to these trails as alternative transportation modes," said Niezgoda. "Rather than people having to get in their car and drive from point ‘A’ to point “B,’ they can utilize a rail like this to access the downtown business and community areas. This one in and of itself connects three communities to the downtown area”
The site for the trail, which will be 10 feet wide and paved, was specifically selected to providing an option to nearby neighborhoods that currently lack a biking and hiking facility.
State Senate President Pro Tem Patricia Belvins (D-Elsmere) says it will be a real asset for the 3,000 to 4,000 people live three blocks or less from where the trail is built.
“This trail will really connect the town in wonderful ways," said Blevins. "It will allow thousands of people to access to a walking trail, safe and away from traffic,
Niezgoda and O'Mara say that providing such an option could help ease auto emissions in addition to adding to quality of life.
Mayor Steven Burg agrees.
“Instead of jumping in a car and causing more pollution, you jump onto the walking path at Filbert [street], which is real close to my house, and [you] can right up here [to Tamarack Ave]," said Berg. "Just enjoy an evening stroll. It’s to bring the community together."
The $769,000 cost to build the trail will be paid for by a $115,000 grant from DNREC’s Delaware Land and Water Conservation Trust Fund and $645,000 in Federal Highway Administration funds in DelDOT’s Transportation and Enhancement Program.
Gov. Markell says projects like this and other under his Trails and Pathway Initiative are ones "only government can do," and argued the benefits far outweigh the cost.
Work on the Elsemere trail is expected to begin late winter or early spring next year and be open by July.
When completed, the town of Elsmere will maintain the trail. Burg adds there are proposals to extend the trail and add exercise stations and lighting in the future.
