Union
County is going green this summer with a direction to put the county on the
East Coast Greenway map. The path will connect urban communities to a suburban
way of life by allowing the public to walk or bike from Maine, stopping in the
county's neck of the woods, and landing on the sunshine state, Florida. - See Accompanying
Map 
More than a decade ago, cyclists and trail lovers from the New England and Mid-Atlantic region met in the Big Apple for a meeting of the states and that marked the birth of a national nonprofit organization, The East Coast Greenway Alliance.
Today, the county is on the way to linking a multi-use trail from Maine all the way to Rahway River Park going north into Clark through Linden into Winfield Park and up to Cranford, then jumping on the Kenilworth Boulevard going northeast into Union to Hillside and finally hitting Essex County's Weequahic Park.
"We are trying to link up urban areas with an inexpensive way for families to experience activities that are health wise," Union County Engineering Consultant Dean Talcott said. "Also, this trail is a good way for people to see new places in and outside of the county. It will be surprising to many because in our urban communities there are quiet and nature nice places."
The greenway runs about 2,600 miles from Maine to Florida and about 17 of those miles run through Union County.
Talcott indicated that the county is planning to unveil this path to walkers and bikers on the first day of October. There will be signs placed throughout the county to help mark the route's direction for travelers.
Talcott pointed out that funding has not been investigated because so far there has not been a need for anything green other than grass for this project.
"We have not used any funding, yet," he said.
"At this point, we do not need funds for this project but if we decide to use a great many signs, etc., then we may need to explore that option."
This trail passes many local businesses in the county and Talcott said that it may be beneficial to the stores because "people walking and biking get hungry and thirsty, quickly."
"This is a marvelous concept because it does not cost any money and people can start getting away from cars," Freeholder Daniel Sullivan said.
"Theoretically, you can walk and/or bike all the way from Maine to Florida."
Sullivan added that this is one of the few projects that do not involve construction because "it is all about designating and identifying land that already exists."
"Similarly, we are not investing funds because the path exists," he said. "It is a great idea because it allows people to see the county like they have never seen it before, which was the county's intention from the beginning."
Sullivan added that the county was green pondering for years.
"This trail is the answer to the Appalachian Trail because it is more people friendly," Dennis Schvejda, conservation director for the New Jersey Chapter of the Sierra Club, said.
"With this trail the public has more choices because not everyone wants to walk, some want to bike.
"Schvejda added that the trail is universal because it has even ground and those who do not want to hike or climb steep terrain do not have to.
"This route allows a variety of ages to participate in the great outdoors," he said.
"Many senior citizens tell me that they want to walk the trail but cannot climb it and now I can respond to them with this path. More people can now get fit with smiles not frowns."
For information, visit www.greenway.org.
Courtesy of The Echo Leader - July 1, 2004 Issue
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