Rail Trail in Orchard Park Now Open
Rail Trail in Orchard Park Now Open
Village of Orchard Park Residents Celebrate New Multi-Use Trail
After three years of preparation by Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail, Inc. (ECRT), Village of Orchard Park residents may now enjoy a 1.3-mile multi-use recreational trail for walking, running, biking, and strolling. Opening day was Saturday, June 17, 2023 at the historic Orchard Park Railroad Depot next to the Orchard Park Library.
“Local residents have been enthusiastic supporters, and this section of the trail was made possible because of their generosity and commitment,” said Mary Brummer, ECRT President. “ECRT is transforming this railroad corridor into a community asset we can all enjoy, and we will continue this work over the full 27 miles of our trail.”
The transformation is dramatic. An area that previously had become overgrown and unsightly has been cleared, proper drainage has been reestablished, and the trail has been resurfaced to accommodate comfortable and safe use by residents. Neighborhoods beyond the Orchard Park village center and adjacent to the trail now have safe, off-road access to the village parks, schools, library, and shops.
ECRT celebrated this new beginning with a crowd of 100+ members of the community on opening day. People rang bells, sounded train whistles and cheered with enthusiasm as the ribbon was cut by ECRT Board members and trail barricades were removed. Walkers and riders smiled and thank-yous were flowing freely as everyone walked, biked, or ran on this section of the trail for the first time. The sight of three little riders testing out their training wheels on the trail was heartwarming! Kids and ‘kids at heart’ were treated to frozen treats from ECRT after their trail excursion.
We hope you’ll share in our excitement and perhaps even step out and enjoy the trail yourself now that it’s open daily from dawn until dusk. Happy trails!