The Butler-Freeport Community Trail landed a state grant for about $280,000 to lay 1 mile of an asphalt trail over a section of the existing trail in Winfield Township for elderly and disabled trail users.
The mile-long section will start at the Cabot trailhead in Winfield, near the intersection of Winfield and Helmbold roads, and the former Cooper Station Restaurant caboose.
The blacktop will be laid over the top of the existing trail and will stretch to the Marwood trailhead, heading to Butler.
“We wanted to dedicate a section of smooth paved trail for families and people using wheelchairs and walkers to enjoy the outdoors,” said Chris Ziegler, president of the Butler-Freeport Community Trail board. “It will also be a great place for people going to physical rehabilitation.”
The state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) awarded the grant.
The agency is working to increase the number of “easy loop trails” that are one-mile, flat and paved for people with special needs, said Wesley Robinson, DCNR press secretary. “Everyone should be able to enjoy the outdoors regardless of their mobility level, which is why DCNR is supportive projects of this nature that help give access to people with mobility issues.”
One of the reasons the Cabot section of the 20-mile trail from Freeport to Butler was picked was because of its proximity to several nursing homes.
“We’re hoping to put together a place for nursing home residents to take day trips,” Ziegler said.
In addition to the paved trail, benches and picnic tables will be added along the stretch of the blacktopped trail. The trail council will run electricity to the caboose and the pavilion next to it, and possibly install a grill, she said.
More improvement has been made along the trail in the Cabot area. Boy Scouts recently planted native pawpaw and chestnut trees.
The trail council is considering adding green parking lots with a mix of hardscape and natural drainage for durability and good environmental practices, Ziegler said. When just limestone is laid in the lots, potholes and ruts develop that require maintenance, she added.
The trail council will design the asphalt trail and its amenities over the winter with plans for paving in the spring.
