Orchard Park Village Trail Opens
Orchard Park Village Trail Opens
Erie-Cattaraugus Rail Trail Celebrates Opening
Orchard Park — After three years of preparation by Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail (ECRT), Village of Orchard Park residents will have a 1.3 mile multi-use recreational trail to enjoy for walking, running, biking, and strolling. Opening day festivities take place Saturday, June 17, 2023, from 11:00 am until 2:00 pm at the historic Orchard Park Railroad Depot next to the Orchard Park Library at 380 S. Lincoln Ave.
“Local residents have been enthusiastic supporters, and this section of the trail is 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 invites the community to celebrate this new beginning by joining them on opening day. At 11:15 am, bells and train whistles will sound at the Orchard Park Depot as the barricades are removed from trail entrances, and the community is welcomed onto the trail for the first time. Kids who walk or ride on the trail may return to the Depot to receive a celebratory frozen treat from ECRT. Following the opening celebration, the trail will be open daily from dawn until dusk.
Raffle tickets will be available to purchase for a chance to win one of two bicycles on September 30, 2023, with proceeds benefiting ECRT’s continuing efforts to improve the trail.
About Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail, Inc.: Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that serves as trail manager for a 27-mile recreational trail on the Buffalo Pittsburgh Railroad rail line. In 2018, ECRT, Inc. and BPRR signed a long-term rail banking agreement to allow for trail use and improvements. On June 17, 2023, 1.3 miles of the trail will be opened to the public in Orchard Park, starting at the historic Village Depot, connecting to the 2-mile natural surface section that is open between Jewett Holmwood and Ellicott Roads. Another 8-miles of natural surface trail is open in Concord, including the 1.7 mile Pop Warner section in Springville. ECRT, Inc. has over 6,500 friends and community supporters. Find more information at https://www.ecattrail.org/.