Given the recent construction downtown, traffic challenges continue for pedestrians and bike riders.
The Friends of the Columbia Greenway Rail Trail (FOCGRT) are looking to change that.
Recently, the FOCGRT have published a new brochure detailing some of the more general information on the project.
“It’s a general information brochure that’s designed to educate people on what the project is and on the history of the project” said Jeffrey J. LaValley the chair on the Board of Directors for the FOCGRT.
According to their official website, since April 2009, the FOCGRT have tried to convert the abandoned railways into a multi-mobile pathway. This type of path is called a greenway, according to the brochure. The difference between that and a regular bike trail is that a bike trail is only used for bicycles, whereas greenways are used for pedestrian commuters, bike riders, rollerbladers – or for anyone who just wants to take a walk.
The greenway will also be handicap accessible.
The brochure makes sure to stress the FOCGRT mission. Specifically, they are working to ensure the completion of the greenway, to make sure that the greenway is maintained properly, and to educate the public about a need for alternative transportation routes in Westfield.
“Take for example people living in the Munger Hill area,” says LaValley. “They have to ride down Shaker Road and up again to Southwick Road just to get to, say Amelia Park, and that would take about 3 miles. In the future, with the new path, they can just ride their bikes over about a mile instead.”
According to LaValley, Phase 1 of the project is underway and is set to be completed by June 30, covering between the Southwick town line, up to the Little River Tin Bridge.
Members of the FOCGRT encourage people who want to help out to sign up for their first inaugural golf tournament. The tournament will take place at the Shaker Farms Country Club on September 14.
For more information on the tournament, other fundraising, or the project in general, be sure to visit the FOCGRT official website at www.columbiagreenway.org.
