Port Washington residents who are looking to ride mountain bikes won’t have to go to the mountains.
The Town of North Hempstead announced on Monday that five miles of mountain bike trails would be constructed in the Hempstead Harbor Nature Sanctuary, 200 acres of forest separated from North Hempstead Beach Park by West Shore Drive.
And the trails won’t cost the town government a dime.
“When this was first presented to us, we thought it was too good to be true,” said Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth. “And as we worked out the details, we found that it was one of the miracles … and we’re so excited about what we’ll be able to offer.”
The trails will be designed, constructed and maintained by Concerned Long Island Mountain Bicyclists (CLIMB). The organization will work with the town to ensure that the trails are sustainable and will not affect the park’s ecosystem. The proposed bike trails would expand on some existing trails in the park that are currently used for hiking.
The group, which maintains miles of mountain bike trails on Long Island, would cover the full cost of the project.
“We have built and currently maintain 175 miles of mountain bike trails across the Island,” said Michael Vitti, the president of CLIMB. “This will be a great community asset for the peninsula.”
He said that if the town used a contractor, it would probably cost $120,000 to build the five-mile trail. Because of volunteer help, though, he said CLIMB could build the trail for about $15,000 to $20,000. He said that the costs would be covered by members and local sponsors, costs that would also include about $5,000 to $10,000 per year to maintain the trail.
The town will need to sign off on the trail’s route before construction can begin, but he was optimistic that the trail would be ready by autumn.
Vitti previously worked nearby and used to come to the park for hikes. He first had the idea to develop bike trails in the park in 1998, but it took 20 years for that idea to gain traction with the town.
“With the new administration, this is a perfect example of a public-private partnership,” he said.
Monday’s announcement, held at the sanctuary, was attended by Bosworth, Vitti and other officials who had worked to bring the deal together. Another big player was PW Green, a local nonprofit group that protects natural areas, promotes eco-friendly living and provides environmental education. President Elizabeth Moran said the group would work with CLIMB to ensure the trails were eco-friendly.
Town Councilwoman Dina De Giorgio, who represents Port Washington, praised the plan and the work of the nonprofit organizations.
“The new trails are a wonderful partnership between PW Green, CLIMB and the Town of North Hempstead that will help bring our residents closer to nature and expand our commitment to conservation,” she said.
