Bike And Pedestrian Trail Projects Featured At Upcoming Workshops

Starting tonight in Dover, public workshops held in each county will show details of the Delaware Trails and Pathways Initiative

Dover -- DelDOT and DNREC, along with partner agencies, will hold a series of forums over the next two weeks in all three counties, to present information and maps of proposed projects that are part of Governor Jack Markell's First State Trails and Pathways Initiative.

The goal is to create a statewide network of pathways and trails for non-motorized travel and recreation for Delaware's citizens and visitors. The initiative was announced last October 13 by Governor Markell at "Sussex Outdoors." The following day at the annual Delaware Bicycle Summit, Department of Transportation Secretary Shailen Bhatt and Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control Secretary Collin O'Mara, signed an agreement to implement the plan connecting existing trails and communities throughout the state.

Transportation Secretary Shailen Bhatt said, "We encourage walkers, runners, bicyclists, parents, grandparents, students, educators, and health care workers to attend the public workshop that will be held in their county, so they can become more familiar with Trails and Pathways Plan. Our goal is make everyone an advocate for a system that will create new connections to communities throughout our state."

"Implementing Governor Markell's vision for a bikable and walkable Delaware will improve air quality, provide transportation alternatives, expand recreational opportunities, spur local businesses, and promote healthier lifestyles--all of which will help make Delaware the First State in Trails," said Secretary O'Mara. "Through these public workshops, we will gain additional valuable input as we work to make the Governor's Trails and Pathways Plan a reality."

The workshops are scheduled as follows:

The Kent County workshop will be held Thursday, May 10, from 4 to 7 p.m., at the Dover City Hall, Council Chambers, 15 Loockerman Plaza, Dover.
Projects that will be highlighted:
* Court Street Gateway Pathway
* Legislative Hall Pathway
* Killens Pond State Park - Pondside Trail connector along Killens Pond Road

The New Castle County workshop will be held Monday, May 14, from 4 to 7 p.m., at the WILMAPCO offices, 850 Library Avenue, Suite 100, Newark.
Projects that will be highlighted are:
* New Castle Industrial Track Trail
* Newark to Wilmington Pathway
* Pomeroy Trail
* C & D Canal Trail
* C & D Branch Canal Trail
* Southern NCCo Pathways
* Talley Road Pathway
* City of Wilmington - Brandywine to Christina Trail
* Auburn Heights Preserve
* White Clay Creek State Park - Tri-Valley Trail
* White Clay Creek State Park - Hopkins Road connector at the Pomeroy Trail
* Brandywine Park - Northern Delaware Greenway Trail
* Lums Pond State Park trail improvements
* Delaware City - gateway to the C&D Canal Trail

The Sussex County Workshop will be held Thursday, May 17, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Lewes City Hall, located at 114 East 3rd Street, Lewes.
Projects that will be highlighted are:
* Georgetown to Lewes Rail to Trail
* Junction & Breakwater Trail - Showfield Extension
* Fred Hudson Road Pathway
* Delaware Seashore State Park Fresh Pond Area - trail connector between Route 1 and Fred Hudson Road
* Delaware Seashore State Park Thompson Island Preserve - Thompson Island Trail
* Cape Henlopen State Park - Gordons Pond Trail
* Assawoman Canal Trail
* Trap Pond State Park - Loblolly Trail connector along Wootten Road

Public comment on the proposed trails and pathways will be accepted at the workshops or by e-mail to susan.moerschel@state.de.us or james.westhoff@state.de.us.