SOUTHWICK-Volunteers with new ideas and energy are being sought by members of the nonprofit Friends of the Southwick Rail Trail.
“All the board members have been involved since 2011 when the Friends group began,” said Christy Bannish, who serves as chairperson. “We are looking for new members since we still love our trail but feel there is a need for new faces from the community to take a lead and allow those of us still wanting to be involved to step back a little.”
The Southwick Rail Trail extends six miles across town in a north-south direction from Connecticut. The trail passes on the west side of the Congamond Lakes, and follows, in large part, the path of the New Haven and Northampton Railroad.
Bannish noted that the group currently consists of five active board members who meet monthly except during the summer. Meetings are conducted on the first Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. in the Southwick Park and Recreation office.
“We have more members that donate annually and a few wonderful volunteers that help with our annual clean up and trail count,” she said. “We wish to encourage people from the local communities to get involved even if it is just once or twice a year – it all makes a difference.”
Bannish, who uses the trail on a regular basis for running and biking in the warmer weather, said it is important for town residents in particular to take an active role with the rail trail.
“It’s important for town residents to take care of the trail because the town can only do so much,” said Bannish, adding the group maintains the kiosks, has paid for the maps and history posters, as well as the parking lot expansions, and conducts trail events.
“We also check on the trail, assist with routine maintenance and clean up, have helped pay for a new mower, have completed trail counts, and help advocate to keep the trail in good working condition,” she said.
Bannish noted that the rail trail offers a variety of benefits for area residents.
“The rail trail benefits our local businesses, promotes a healthy off-road, outdoor activity for people of all ages, and helps advance the expansion of the use of rail trails beyond our town,” said Bannish.
For persons interested in more information about volunteering their time to help the Friends group, send an email to [email protected], [email protected], or visit southwickrailtrail.org.
