Now that all grant money is in Riverhead's hands, construction will begin over the winter on laying down the base.
In the meantime, we are planning two 5k's to take place on a paved portion on the trail and on the former runway. One in the spring (around Memorial Day) and one in the fall (around Veterans day. Once the 9 mile section of the trail is paved, we plan to celebrate with a run around this section. We'll keep you informed on the progress as it happens. Follow us at Long Island Trails on Facebook and at LIRunning
TOWN OF RIVERHEAD AWARDED $500,000 IN NYS EPF FUNDING TO COMPLETE EPCAL ATHLETIC TRAIL
(Albany, NY) – Governor Andrew Cuomo announced that the Town of Riverhead has been awarded a $500,000 grant from the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) to complete the multi-purpose athletic trail around Calverton Enterprise Park (EPCAL).
Construction on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Trail began in 2008 with the aid of previous state funding, including $100,000 grant funding from the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation to complete an approximate 3.2 mile portion of the trail. Since that time, the Town of Riverhead has secured $150,000 in state funding through the efforts of State Senator Kenneth P. LaValle and $200,000 in Suffolk County funding provided through the work of Suffolk County Legislator Al Krupski. The non-motorized diverse trail to be completed around EPCAL will be constructed over an abandoned gravel vehicular path cleared and developed in the 1950’s by the Grumman Corporation as a perimeter security road.
“I’m pleased that the NYS Regional Development Council has recognized the value of the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial Trail at EPCAL,” Senator LaValle said. “The new $500,000 state grant, combined with the funding we were able to secure previously, will help complete the Trail
so it can become a well-utilized asset for the entire community.”
Assemblyman Anthony Palumbo said, “The completion of the EPCAL trail will have a tremendous positive impact on New York State residents and visitors. Specifically, the path will provide state residents access to a diverse range of recreational opportunities and activities at no cost.”
Congressman Lee Zeldin said, “Completion of the athletic trail at Calverton Enterprise Park will have a very positive quality of life and public safety impact on our community. The trail will provide residents with healthy recreational opportunities including biking and hiking. Long Island’s trails are an important part of our local community and economy and I am pleased to see the EPCAL trail move forward.”
Suffolk County Legislator Al Krupski, who helped secure a $200,000 grant from Suffolk County for the project, said, “A safe, off the road recreation trail is a great goal at a wonderful site and it will not only benefit residents of Riverhead, but residents of the entire county as well. I was pleased to have successfully worked with the County Executive and Riverhead Town to help accomplish this important project.”
Supervisor Sean M. Walter said the “completed Vietnam Veterans Memorial trail will have significant public recreational benefit. It will clearly reduce speeds on roadways for pedestrian and bicyclist crossing safety, provide safer dedicated off-road connections for existing bicyclist and pedestrian networks, as well as to encourage increased bicycling and pedestrian activity and remove cars from the road. “
Councilwoman Jodi Giglio, who heads the Town of Riverhead’s Alternative Transportation Committee, said she was “extremely appreciative of the efforts of Senator Kenneth LaValle and Assembly Anthony Palumbo for advocating for the EPF funding and previous state funding that will allow this trail to finally be completed.” She also acknowledged Suffolk County Legislator Al Krupski for providing a $200,00 match in county funds towards the overall project.
Giglio said the Riverhead Alternative Transportation Committee has been tirelessly working on securing funding from state and county government, as well as applying for permits from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation over the last six years. “Biking, walking and running are no cost, family friendly activities,” Giglio said. “The trail will significantly benefit Riverhead families by providing a safe outlet to participate in healthy activities, while increasing users’ appreciation of the natural environment in the scenic Pine Barrens and provide a sense of place.”
“This is a major achievement that will pay great dividends for runners in the Town of Riverhead and all over eastern Long Island,” said Mike Polansky, Greater Long Island Running Club President.
The grant application funding under the Environmental Protection Fund had widespread community support as evidenced by letters of support from Congressman Lee Zeldin, NYS Senator Kenneth P. LaValle, NYS Assemblyman Anthony Palumbo, Suffolk County Legislator Al Krupski, Riverhead Supervisor Sean M. Walter, Brookhaven Supervisor Edward P. Romaine, Cornell Cooperative Extension, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Team in Training charity training program, the Greater Long Island Running Club, Island Running Club, Hampton Running Club, Suffolk Bicycle Riders’ Association, the Town of Riverhead Open Space Committee, the Town of Riverhead Senior Citizen Services Department, the Town of Riverhead Recreation Department, the Town of Riverhead Senior Citizen Advisory Council and the Wading River Civic Association.
