==
Bike-Walk Alliance of NH ==
Queen City Trail Alliance
Unused bridge on rail trail in Manchester heading toward Londonderry
Introduction:
We are a group of citizens that are organizing the conversion of an abandoned railroad bed in the South end of Manchester, into a people friendly Bicycle / Pedestrian trail. Our goal is to make an otherwise unused, unattractive parcel of land in the center of a growing city, an oasis of green, natural area for all of the citizens of Manchester to be able to use for recreation.
The parcel of land to be used in the conversion is the inactive Manchester-Lawrence railroad line that runs between Perimeter road and South Beech St. This land runs along wooded areas, residential areas, Nutts Pond and businesses.
The trail could have multiple benefits to the community. It could be used for:
* Walking/Jogging.
* In-Line Skating.
* Cross country skiing.
* Transportation to alleviate traffic on So. Willow.
* A place to go for the residents to enjoy the outdoors.
* Take an otherwise unused piece of land and take advantage of it's natural
setting.
* Access to Nutts Pond for canoes/small boats for fishing.
We have been actively involved with the Board of Mayor and Aldermen in the city of Manchester to provide all of the information needed to make the conversion an easier process.
Currently the property is being used as a throughway for residents to get from the So. Willow St. area to their homes.
Project updates:
November 2007, initial entry: The rail trail starting at Gold Street in Manchester (parallel to South Willow Street) was cleared all the way to Elm Street in the summer of 2007. Work was done by by volunteers of City Year, Timberland Co., and others. This trail could link up with the airport then to Londonderry. Senator Betsi Devries is a strong advocate of the portion to the airport. Granite State Trails Alliance received a $900,000 CMAQ grant in 2006 to begin their portion of the trail.
Web site:
Contacts:
John St.Hilaire - Chairman, John@Queencitytrails.org
Robert Menafra - Director, Bob@Queencitytrails.org
Mike Hansen - Director / Engineer, Mike@Queencitytrails.org
Lyle Ohrt - Director / Web Design, Lyle@Queencitytrails.org
