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PHOTO: Sandy River (Laura and Adam Casey photo)
FARMINGTON — The High Peaks Alliance and Carrabassett Region Chapter of New England Mountain Bicycle Association recently received grants from the Northern Forest Center for outdoor programs that will help people of all abilities use trails.
The High Peaks alliance got $50,000 to improve trail accessibility and community connection in Farmington, and the CRCNEMB got $30,000 to begin construction of a new pod for user-specific trails.
“The Sandy River is an enormous asset to the town of Farmington,” said Brent West, executive director of the High Peaks Alliance. “By building an accessible trail connecting downtown Farmington to the waterfront, we will attract more people to town, keep people in town longer, and showcase why this region is a great place to raise a family, enroll in college, or spend a day.”
“We have found that access to water, well maintained trails, and proximity to local amenities are popular for visitors and residents alike,” West said. “These experiences are foundational to growing our economy and the Northern Forest Center’s grant will enable our community to build the first accessible trail in Franklin County.”
The bicycle association will construct 2-15 miles of trails for riders of all abilities, with its own trailhead center.
“This award will allow us to get started on a significant expansion to our current network,” said Joshua Tauses, Carrabassett Valley trails manager. “We have been working with the town of Carrabassett Valley and Maine Bureau of Public Lands since 2015 on planning and are excited that construction can soon begin.
“Our goal of providing quality outdoor recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike is growing the economic stability of our region significantly. Where there once was minimal year-round activity, we now have a world class network of trails for all abilities, providing sustainable healthy living for those who seek and experience it.”
The grants, the only ones for Maine organizations, were among 11 awarded a total of $317,526 for destination development efforts in northern Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont.
The programs that got grants help communities create amenities that can attract visitors, new residents and businesses while sustaining and enriching quality of life for people who already live in the destination area, a Northern Forest Center news release said.
