The Arthur Community Trail was officially opened at a ceremony at the Lions Park here on Sept. 14.
Roughly two years in the making, the new trail links with existing Veteran’s Trail and Meadow Trail to create a four-kilometre stretch around and through the village. The trail is the result of the efforts of a local trail committee, and numerous community groups and citizens, including the Arthur Lions Club and the Township of Wellington North.
“It takes a lot of people to get a project like this together and basically at any step it could have been scuttled,” said Lions Club member and trail committee co-chair Ian Turner.
In addition to the efforts of volunteers, the Lions and the municipality, the provincial government provided $25,000 in funding to the project, “which made a huge difference to the quality of the trail,” noted Turner.
Arthur Lions president Glen Cheyne also credited “the hard work and dedication of community members, volunteers and project organizers,” for the successful completion of the trail.
“Enjoy the trails and walk them. We hope it’s an asset to the community,” said committee co-chair Dave Stack.
Wellington North Mayor Ray Tout said those joining a trail walk following ceremony would see the results of the vision and devotion of organizers and volunteers with the project.
“Three years ago it was an idea – it was a dream – today, you are going to see a reality,” said Tout.
A plaque on the trail kiosk at the Lions park recognizes the contribution of the late Bill Elliott, an Arthur Lion who pioneered trails in the community.
“I’m just so happy that he’s been formally recognized and just thrilled that you have honoured Bill in this way,” said Barbara Elliott, Bill’s wife.
The plaque also recognizes private landowners Richard Bartling, Wayne and Kathyrn Denney, Pete O’Donnell and the Shaw family in memory of Robert (Bob) Shaw “for making the trail possible.”
On behalf of private landowners involved, Earlma Shaw said they “are very happy to give back to the community.
“I know Bob would have been pleased that we’re going to share the river walk with this wonderful community,” she said.
