Residents and outdoor enthusiasts will have more trails to traverse in Arundel this summer.

The Arundel Conservation Trust and the Eastern Trail Management District signed an agreement that will connect the Eastern Tail to the planned trails on Arundel Conservation Trust’s Limerick Road property. The agreement was inked on Jan. 9.

The connection is possible by the donation by Phil Labbe of an easement through his land that lies between the Eastern Trail and Arundel Conservation Trust land.

“We’re thrilled that Arundel Conservation Trust plans to connect to the Eastern Trail from its property in Arundel,” said Carole Brush, executive directory of the trail management district. “The goal of the Eastern Trail is to provide a safe, scenic off-road trail for transportation and recreation for users of all ages and abilities. The more connections we have to the trail, the more attainable this goal becomes.”

Arundel Conservation Trust board members Leia Lowrey and Dot Gregoire worked closely over several months with Brush from the Eastern Trail and Roger Barham, senior gas engineer from Unitil Corporation, to design the connection to meet requirements to protect the underlying Unitil gas line and the construction standards of the trail.

“It has been a pleasure to work with Carole and Roger.,” Lowrey said. “This teamwork has led to stronger community connections and creating a spirit of excitement about what we can offer the public. I think this is exactly the kind of collaboration that Arundel Conservation Trust is looking to foster to create a stronger, more connected community and sets the right tone and spirit to our new property.”

The trust expects to begin work on the trails this spring with the aid of community volunteers and aspires for the trails to be ready by the summer of 2019. The trails, which will be constructed on the 47-acre Limerick Road property that was bought by the trust in conjunction with the town of Arundel, will be the home of the new town hall and contains woodlands, meadow areas and several wetland habitats.

With the assistance of Labbe, a lifetime Arundel resident and current selectman, the trail to connect to the Eastern Trail will follow along Duck Brook and over a small stream. When completed, the trail will provide an extended and safe route to the trail with off street parking.

“We are fortunate to have so many wonderful partners like the Eastern Trail Management District, Unitil, Phil Labbe and the members of Arundnel Conservation Trust, who have come together to find a way to create access for our community to the beautiful land that makes Arundel such a special place,” said Joan Hull, conservation trust president.

For more information about Arundel Conservation Trust or to learn about volunteer opportunities to build the trails or donate, visit www.arundeltrust.org.

Dan King can be reached at editor@kennebunkpost.com.

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