New path forges new ties between Lawrence and Hopewell townships, and public and private land-owners
By Jennifer Potash
A new ribbon of asphalt curves through the Educational Testing Service’s campus at Rosedale and Carter roads.
The new path doesn’t link campus buildings, but forges new ties between Lawrence and Hopewell townships, and public and private land-owners.
Local officials, politicians and outdoor enthusiasts cut the ribbon Saturday on the latest 1.2- mile link in the Lawrence-Hopewell Trail, a planned 20-plus mile path weaving though Lawrence and Hopewell townships, across public and private properties.
The proposal was introduced in 2001 and since that time, four segments have been built, while work on the two remaining sections is under way.
The day also featured a guided nature walk on the trail, games and giveaways.
Pedals for Progress, a nonprofit organization that ships bicycles to groups in El Salvador, Guatemala and Uganda, held a used-bike drive.
Eleanor Horne, vice president of the ETS Social Investment Fund and co-chairwoman of the Lawrence-Hopewell Trail Task Force, said the latest link will help residents of both communities walk and bike more easily.
"Everything about this moment is good," Ms. Horne said.
At a time when American society seems more divided along geographic lines, partisan sentiments and differences over values, Hopewell Township Deputy Mayor David Sandahl said, there seem to be very few examples of common ground.
"The Lawrence-Hopewell Trail puts to rest that prediction," he said.
The trail is the result of five years of hard work and the two communities, area nonprofits and private property owners have embraced the concept, said Becky Taylor, senior director of corporate communications at Bristol-Myers Squibb and co-chairwoman of the LHT task force.
"Five years ago we all got together because we wanted to create a biking and walking trail that would literally and figuratively link our two towns together," Ms. Taylor said.
The ride was not always a smooth one, Mr. Sandahl said.
"It has not been easy and considerable leadership was required on several fronts to keep the dream of the trail alive," he said, citing Ms. Horne for her efforts, without which "we would not be here today."
Corporations such as Bristol-Myers Squibb and nonprofits such as ETS and The Lawrenceville School deserve the community’s thanks "for stepping up to the plate" when the township asked for help with the LHT, said Mayor Michael Powers.
Kurt Landgraf, president and CEO of ETS, said the new link was one more way for ETS to be a good corporate neighbor and citizen.
"Come out and enjoy what ETS employees have enjoyed every day, the beautiful surroundings of ETS," Mr. Landgraf said.
U.S. Rep. Rush Holt (D-12) praised the trail as a "wonderful joint project" between so many entities. He said the LHT will revitalize and enrich the lives of not only Lawrence and Hopewell residents, but everyone who traverses the trail.
"More than 1 million people live in Mercer County and not all will use the trail, although I wish everyone will do so, but the presence of it can elevate an entire community, increase livability and attractiveness."
Rep. Holt, of Hopewell Township, also pledged "to do what I can from Washington to see that the entire loop will be completed as quickly as possible."
Mercer County Executive Brian Hughes said the trail is an excellent example of how public and private entities can form a mutually beneficial partnership. He noted the county also has contributed funds toward the purchase of the Carson Road Woods in Lawrence, and is working on the designs for Mercer County Park Northwest, at the former AT&T property, in Lawrence and Hopewell.
"We have been helping the corporate and the private sector knit together this trail for a long time," he said.
With a couple of snips from an oversized pair of gold-colored scissors by the assembled officials, the yellow plastic ribbon fell to the ground and a slew of eager helmet-wearing kids and adults, as well as pedestrians and moms pushing toddlers in strollers, set out for the first trip on the new trail link.