LISBON – A public ceremony will mark the official opening of a new walking and biking trail at 4 p.m. Friday, Aug. 27, in the new Lisbon Community School parking lot, near the western end of the trail.

The paved, 4,400-foot Papermill Trail was envisioned by the Lisbon Trails Commission in 2001. Phase I of the $200,000 project is completed.

The trail was funded by a grant from the Maine Department of Transportation and a 20 percent match by the town. The project was preceded by a $15,000 feasibility study.

The trail follows the path of the former Papermill Road – from the Sabattus River boat launch at the intersection of Route 196 and Frost Hill Avenue to the new Community School. The trail consists of a 9-foot paved path beside a 4-foot gravel strip for horseback riding, and is handicapped accessible.

The trail is part of Miller Park, a 7-acre parcel between the trail and the Sabattus River that was donated to the town by Miller Industries.

Planning is under way to extend the trail along Mill Street and Upland Road to connect with the Lisbon Village sidewalk system. The town has applied for another grant to continue the trail from the boat launch along Frost Hill Avenue to Lisbon Falls. That would be the second and final phase and would connect Lisbon Falls to Lisbon Village via a walking trail.

“The Board of Selectmen is proud to open this trail and encourages its use by our citizens to be part of a balanced and healthy lifestyle,” said Town Manager Curtis Lunt.

Trail Commission members are Noyes Lawrence, Steve Warren, Steve Doucette, Norris Ingersoll, Carl Huston Jr. and Steve Curtis. The Papermill Trail is listed at Healthymainewalks.org.