The Pomeroy and Newark Rail Trail officially opened Monday in a ceremony featuring a state and city officials who predicted the route will become a drawing card for tourism and business.
The trail had been under construction for about a year. It runs from the current James Hall Trail on the south edge of the city to White Clay Creek State Park. It also connects the city with the University of Delaware’s Laird campus on the edge of the city.
On hand for the dedication were Gov. Jack Markell, U.S. Senator Tom Carper, Delaware Department of Transportation Secretary Shailen Bhatt and Natural Resources Secretary Collin O’Mara. The trail was the result of the City of Newark’s partnership with several state agencies.
The trail promises to provide an option for more residents who may be able to ride a bike to work, thanks to its access to Main Street and a number of neighborhoods in the city and the University of Delaware.
In remarks at the event, Markell said the trail will be a major drawing card for visitors and bicycle enthusiasts and even businesses that prefer to locate in a community with opportunities for recreation.
Markell cited support from the cycling community for convincing a reluctant General Assembly to approve $13 million for trail funding in the recently passed budget.
Newark Mayor Vance Funk said Carper deserved a lot of the credit for the trail, both as governor and senator. He noteed that Caper came up with money that allowed the state to buy the railbed and later pushed for funding that would complete the trail.
Carper, a longtime runner, clearly relished the occasion and asked the pre-schoolers brought to the event to do a brief exercise routine. They were happpy to go along with the request. A delighted Carper said the enthusiasm showed by the children demonstrated the need for everyone to get exercise and have fun in the process.