Plans in the pipeline for railway trail makeover
Bermuda's railway trail could be in line for a makeover.
Two overseas consultants were on the Island last week to survey the railway trails and discuss issues surrounding them with the Parks Department.
The Bermuda End- to- End charity walk has decided to donate a portion of this year's proceeds towards a Vision Project to create a sustainable management plan for Bermuda's railway trails.
The Rails-to-Trails Conservancy consultancy is assisting a sub-committee of the End-to-End, which includes Park Planner, Drew Pettit, with the project.
Chairman of the Vision Project Team, Stephen Davidson said yesterday that consultants specialised in turning former railway trails into parks, were retained to work with the Parks Department in devising a management plan for the trails.
Mr. Davidson said that while the consultants were on the Island they walked the trail, doing a site survey and discussed issues concerning the trail with Government and stakeholders.
The railway trail became a National Park in 2000 however, Mr. Pettit said that parts of the trail are also under the Highway Act.
This is a conflict, said Mr. Pettit, and will be addressed in the management plan as well as issues of dumping trash, linking the trails, and use of the trail as a road.
Mr. Davidson added that issues with erosion, access, and petty crime will also be discussed.
He said the trail goes through many neighbourhoods and the Vision Project Team want to make sure that those residents are happy with the management plan.
Mr. Davidson said that essentially the trail will be maintained in its rural state.
At the end of November the consultants will return to the Island to present a plan to the public.
Open meetings will be held for the public to give their input on the plan, said Mr. Davidson.
After the public's input is gathered, the plan will be revised and the public will have a chance to review it again and give more input.
A final plan will then be submitted to the Parks Commission and the Minister of the Environment, Neletha Butterfield for approval.
