AMHERST — A series of accessible trails to be built at a former South Amherst golf course will provide both new recreation opportunities for residents and pedestrian connections to the Pomeroy Village center.
Town officials announced this week that the long-planned project will move forward after receiving a $280,000 grant from the state’s Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs Parkland Acquisitions and Renovations for Communities program.
Assistant Town Manager David Ziomek said in a statement that Amherst appreciates the Baker-Polito administration for awarding the money.
“The proposed accessible trail will allow visitors to explore fields and wetlands, access the Fort River and enjoy views of the Mount Holyoke Range,” Ziomek said.
The 150-acre property was purchased by the town for $520,000 last winter, though a private development of a 6.2-megawatt solar array on a 26-acre portion of the property remains in the planning stages.
The state funding will be combined with town’s match of $150,000 in Community Preservation Act money, which will cover the costs of design and construction of a natural-surface looping trail. The town has also put in $185,076 from the Community Development Block Grant program.
“I am grateful the Town Council had the wisdom to purchase the derelict golf course and that the council and the Community Preservation Act Committee had the foresight to set aside funds to develop it as a major new amenity for Amherst residents and others,” said Town Manager Paul Bockelman.
The project will use some of the existing golfing cart paths and build a new stretch of trail running along the Fort River. Plans are for the trails to meet or exceed the U.S. Forest Service Trail Accessibility Guidelines.
The idea for the work has been to ensure better connections between the apartment complexes off East Hadley Road and Pomeroy Village center. Amherst will also be replacing the traffic signals next year at the intersection of West Street, West Pomeroy Lane and Pomeroy Lane.
Designs for the trails are expected to be prepared next spring, with construction starting in the summer.
Amherst previously received a $400,000 PARC grant that went toward the playground at Kendrick Park in downtown Amherst, which opened last year.
