Contact:
Alex Redfield, SPLT President
alex@sopolandtrust.org
207-475-7235
South Portland Land Trust to Open New Clark’s Pond Extension Trail
Contact:
Alex Redfield, SPLT President
alex@sopolandtrust.org
207-475-7235
South Portland Land Trust to Open New Clark’s Pond Extension Trail
The South Portland Land Trust will celebrate the opening of its newest walking trail when it hosts a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Saturday, Sept. 24 (10:00 a.m.) to open the new Clark’s Pond extension trail. The ribbon cutting, being held in conjunction with National Public Lands Day, will take place along a new portion of the trail, located between the Maine Air National Guard and the Irving station (along Western Avenue).
Elected political leaders and City officials will join SPLT volunteers and board members for the ceremonial ribbon cutting. The opening of the extension trail creates a 2.1-mile trail, enabling pedestrians to walk completely around the pond. The completion of the loop trail is the culmination of a nearly 15-year effort to obtain the necessary easements and rights of use agreements from abutting property owners and regulatory agencies. Since the SPLT’s West End Trail committee was launched in 2006, the SPLT previously completed the initial 1.1-mile Clark’s Pond Trail in 2007 and later built the Long Creek, Red Brook, and South Branch trails. Each trail is located within the greater Maine Mall area (a citywide trail map is available at www.sopolandtrust.org) and provides residents, staff at local businesses, and visitors with access to a high-quality outdoor recreation opportunity.
“Everyone at SPLT is thrilled to be able to complete this project and we’re excited to share this really special space with more of our friends and neighbors in South Portland,” said SPLT Board President, Alex Redfield. “The Clark’s Pond Trail is a surprisingly beautiful and quiet walk through a mature and diverse forest, less than a mile from the city’s busiest and most dense residential and commercial landscapes. Thanks to the efforts of SPLT volunteers, the City of South Portland, and the Long Creek Watershed Management District, this natural space will be protected and accessible for generations to come.”
Built almost exclusively by volunteers and funded by SPLT Members, the Davis Conservation Fund, and the Conservation for All program at the Maine Community Foundation, the Clark’s Pond Trail is part of the SPLT’s vision to help make the western part of the city more accessible and more livable for residents and visitors. By creating walkways that connect neighborhoods across the City, pedestrians now have safe and enjoyable access through some of the city’s most natural and scenic spaces. The SPLT hopes its projects will increase environmental stewardship and support the ongoing efforts of the Long Creek restoration and revitalization project.
SPLT members, residents, and area businesses interested in working on the trails, contributing to the mission of the Land Trust as a volunteer or member, or anyone wanting to learn more about SPLT are invited to visit the organization online at www.southportlandlandtrust.org or reach out via email to: info@sopolandtrust.org.
