Bike, walk path opening celebrated

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Daryn Slover/Sun Journal

Kathleen Szostek of Livermore Falls rides to the ceremony that celebrated the opening of the bicycle/pedestrian path in Livermore Falls on Friday. "I am very excited about the path," Szostek said. "I love to bike."

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Daryn Slover/Sun Journal

Sophie, a 9-year-old Jack Russell Terrier, walks along the bicycle/pedestrian path with her owner Louise Chabot of Livermore Falls on Friday. 

LIVERMORE FALLS — Several people Friday took brisk walks on the new bicycle/pedestrian path that runs along the town's recreation field and the Androscoggin River.

The path, which has been in the works for five years was officially opened Friday, with a cutting of a red ribbon Town Manager Jim Chaousis set up.

"It's a nice walk," Cindy Peart said as she walked the path.

It's nice to walk down and not have to worry about cars behind you, Lisa Bilodeau said.

"And, you can see the river," Lena Hann said as the three Androscoggin Bank employees walked along.

During a brief ceremony, Chaousis thanked those involved in helping bring the project to fruition.

The Androscoggin River shined in the sunlight. Some improvements of the downtown area could be seen from the site giving a glimpse into the revitalization going on downtown.

The project started under former Town Manager Alan Gove, and was carried on by former Town Manager Martin Puckett before Chaousis made it a reality this year with the help of others.

A federal and state grant paid for the bulk of the estimated $223,000 project, with the town responsible for about $44,000 at last estimate.

The project is not finished, Chaousis said. It needs some signs needed installed and a white line painted to separate the walking trail and bike path.

"We'd like the trail to go longer," he said, and connect to Shuy Corner at the of routes 133 and 17 and connect it to the schools. They would also like to see some picnic tables set up in the area.

The ½-mile trail runs from behind the municipal building along the side of Foundry Road and stops near Verso Paper's carry-in, carry-out boat launch.

Among those Chaousis thanked were Dan Stewart from the Maine Department of Transportation, Livermore Falls highway Foreman Bill Nichols and his crew, Adam Castonguay and Castonguay Excavation and Logging, town officials current and past, and Jonathan LaBonte, executive director of Androscoggin Land Trust and a county commissioner. LaBonte has written to the National Park Service for a grant for assistance to help enhance the path, Chaousis said.

As you see, there is untapped potential here that started with one small step, he said.

dperry@sunjournal.com