Poster design by Alana Horton
Come join two ribbon cutting ceremonies to celebrate the opening of new rail trails in Northampton. Two locations: Downtown Northampton at 2 pm and in Leeds at 4 pm on Sunday, October 4, 2009. Rain or shine.
The multiple-location ribbon-cutting events commemorate the expansion of the rail trail network to Leeds as well as the completed downtown section of a trail that will eventually connect from the Norwottuck Rail Trail to Easthampton and beyond. This system of rail trails in and around Northampton is a key part of the greater network that someday will span from Northampton to New Haven, Boston, and beyond, providing a pedestrian-friendly bike path built along abandoned railways.On October 4, the Friends of Northampton Trails and Greenways (FNTG), Leeds Civic Organization, Ward 3 Neighborhood Association, and the Northampton Office of Planning and Development will celebrate two new sections of the rail trail as they near completion. A new map and brochure detailing the new paths will be available at both events.
The first section of path in downtown Northampton is nearing completion. It provides a safe route for bikers and pedestrians to avoid the heavy traffic characteristic to King Street and Main Street on a path paralleling the existing railroad. The first gathering will start at 2 pm on the rail trail bridge above Main Street. Parking is available in metered spots in downtown lots. The rain location for this event is the deck of Union Station.
The second path is now completed between Bridge Road/Look Park and the Northampton/Williamsburg town line in Leeds. This path is particularly helpful to allow kids to safely make their way between JFK Middle School and Leeds Elementary School. The second ceremony will be held at 4 pm where the rail trail crosses Florence Street, just west of the Leeds Elementary School and at the intersection of Main Street, Mulberry Street and Florence Street. This will be preceded at 3:00pm by a family friendly party at 3:00pm (at the same site). Parking is available at the Leeds Elementary School on Florence Street.
Wayne Feiden, Director of the Office of Planning and Development for the City of Northampton, will be facilitating both events along with organizers from the Ward 3 Neighborhood Association and the Leeds Civic Association.
In addition to the ribbon cutting events, regional trails advocate and expert Craig Della Penna will be conducting a fun, informative and historic bike tour of the rail trail from the downtown pedestrian bridge to the second ribbon-cutting site. He will be leaving from the pedestrian bridge by bike at 2:45 and will arrive in Florence/Leeds in time for the second ribbon cutting. This family friendly bike tour will include the history of Northampton's railroads, train station, the downtown area, and the conversion of each piece of railway to a paved pedestrian route. Sign-ups for the tour are required (call 413-585-8559 to signup).
There are four civic organizations co-sponsoring this event. The Friends of Northampton Trails and Greenways (FNTG) is a non-profit organization committed to bettering pedestrian and cyclist access to these recreation and transportation paths. The organization raises funds to improve signage, increase trail use, educate users, organize community activities, and provide free maps.
The mission of the Ward 3 Neighborhood Association is to preserve and further develop the quality of life available in Northampton's Ward 3 and to involve as many of our citizens as possible in that effort.
The purpose of the Northampton Office of Planning and Development is to identify and implement the community's vision for economic prosperity, strong community, environmental health, and sustainable transportation.
The Leeds Civic Association is committed to sustaining the unique quality of life that has been the hallmark of this community for the past 300 years. By sponsoring educational forums, social events and community meetings the LCA provides local businesses and homeowners with a great resource.
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