Ground Broken on New EG Nature Trail

From the town’s recreation department:

This past week the culmination of several years of planning has come to fruition with the ground breaking of the East Greenwich Nature/Cross Country Trail. This will be phase I of a multi-phase plan to develop the former McHale property into active recreation facilities.

This project was part of the 2006 Recreation Bond Referendum to provide additional athletic fields and recreation areas for the residents by utilizing the former McHale sand and gravel property. The Town received two matching grants from RIDEM-Division of Planning and Development for Open Space & Recreation Grant funds for this project for a total of $400,000.

After the High School fields were renovated, the remaining funds allowed the Town to begin Phase I of developing the McHale site into a recreation facility. Phase I includes a RIDEM permit to gain access across the wetland and developing a nature/cross country trail through the site. Future phases, when funding is available, will include the development of athletic fields, a playground and parking on the remaining land.

The Town as a whole will be able to enjoy this area by walking, jogging, snow shoeing and cross country skiing. The High School Cross Country team will be able to host home meets for the first time as well as practice on a safe route. The area boasts a beautiful woodland with a stand of American Beech trees, and access to the Fry Brook and the Hunt River. When completed, residents can access the trail head from the end of the fields’ access road at the High School.

The construction is expected to take place this winter and be substantially completed by the end of August.