The past month has been a busy one at Essex Park. We've been working on clearing, removing stumps, and grading Trail Segment #11 in the woods at the east end of the park. The trail is turning out very well and we think it will be a beautiful additon to the trail network every season of the year. For the ski season, this segment will allow us to make a large loop by going up the old sledding hill, turning left into the woods, then left again onto this new segment until it's end on the bike path. Bearing left at the bike path, skiers can then go west toward the gardens, circle back through them, climb the hill, then follow the expressway back along the park boundary. The trail features lots of gentle turns, undulations, and a couple good hills. The entire area goes through mature oak woods that are a pleasure to walk through any time of the year.
We've also mowed in the loop in the SE prairie. This is a nice gentle meandering loop with a couple gradual hills where it merges into the loop around the tree grove in two locations. We'll mow it this summer and then determine how much finish grading is required this fall. Sections will be fine as-is however there are some areas that we know will need to be leveled.
Once #11 is complete, we'll turn our attention to the trail north of the creek on the west side of the park. It's been excavated to provide a 8-12 foot wide trail base and now will receive final grading, cutting of the back slope, and removal of as much rock as possible.
We generally have one work session a week for a few hours. If you'd like to participate, please contact Bruce Walk to be placed on the email distribution list.
