Bangor City Forest introduces new 'East West Loop Trail'
BANGOR - The Bangor City Forest is a bit more user friendly these days thanks to new signage that was posted last week promoting the area's new 3.8-mile East West Loop Trail.
"The purpose of this is to bring attention to the natural assets in Bangor. We hope to get people out here and active," said Bangor City Councilor Ben Sprague.
For years people have been enjoying the Orono Bog Walk, located inside the Bangor City Forest, but they haven't ventured onto the other trails nearly as much due to the uncertainty of those trails' distances.
"We improved the signage and took the East trail and combined it with the West trail to create a [3.8 mile] loop," explained Tracy Willette, director of Bangor Parks and Recreation. "This has been designated as a Healthy Maine Walk through the Healthy Maine Partnership initiative."
A total of eight new signs were added to the area, directing walkers, runners and bicyclists where to go.
"Having this event [ribbon cutting] to remind people to walk the trails is important," said Lucy Quimby from Bangor Land Trust.
Physician and Bangor city councilor Geoffrey Gratwick agrees. He is a big supporter of walking and staying active. He said trails like this one will help improve people's health.
"Getting outside and getting active has psychological and physical benefits. This is where really good health starts," explained Gratwick.
The city forest is open year round. Dogs are welcome to explore the forest, too but they must be on a leash within certain areas. For more information log on to http://cityforest.bangorinfo.com/.
