Copenhagen walking trail plans proceed; more community help sought

COPENHAGEN — A local group is moving forward with plans to construct a walking trail through the village next spring.

However, members of the Copenhagen Community Day Committee would like to see more community input before trail work begins.

“We’re really looking for feedback from the community and more people to participate,” said committee member Judy K. Bartlett, who is heading the project with her husband, Michael.

An informational session on the first phase of the project and possible future phases might be held in December, Mrs. Bartlett said.

Initial plans are to develop a 1.5-mile “Munger’s Mills” walking trail starting on a long-abandoned street off Route 12 at the north end of the village and running through Copenhagen Central School property over to a village parcel, on which a park might be developed, near the Deer River. The trail would use some sections of village sidewalk.

The village initially was named Munger’s Mills after Nathan Munger, who established the first sawmill and gristmill here in the early 1800s. Historic facts about the village might be placed on signs along the planned trail, Mrs. Bartlett said.

Parks & Trails New York, a nonprofit organization based in Albany, has provided expertise on trail development and $500 to plan the project’s initial phase.

Grace Episcopal Church has offered a $500 donation toward the project, and the Tug Hill Commission and Lewis County Department of Economic Development and Planning are assisting the effort.

The trail planning committee is slated to meet at 5:30 p.m. Monday in the village office on Main Street. Anyone interested in being on that committee or working on the project is asked to attend the meeting, call Mr. and Mrs. Bartlett at 688-2570, or send them an email at mbartlet@twcny.rr.com.