Haverhill formally opens its new Riverside Park Trail with an upcoming public ribbon cutting ceremony and guided tour.
Mayor Melinda E. Barrett will preside over the ribbon cutting Thursday, Sept. 19, at 5:30 p.m., at 150 Riverside Ave. The tour, part of the “Let’s Hike Haverhill” series is organized by Essex County Greenbelt Association and Team Haverhill.
“The Riverside Park Trail is a project that spans two administrations, and I was determined to get it done as soon as possible. It’s a beautiful addition to the city and I hope all Haverhill residents have the chance to hit the trail soon.” said Barrett in a release.
As WHAV reported more than a year ago, the state helped pay for a 2,100-foot-long, 10-foot-wide paved trail along the Merrimack River behind River’s Edge Plaza. It was designed to link to the Congressman William H. Bates Veterans Memorial Bridge and the Groveland Community Trail. It begins at the back of Riverside Park and adds onto the existing 2.5 miles of walking trails within the park and splits into two paths at various points, providing a disability-accessible asphalt surface on one stretch and a stone-dust surface on another. It features benches, picnic tables, and overlooks onto the Merrimack River.
For the dedication, Project Manager Jamie Falise will be on site to explain the design process and how the trail will ultimately connect with a larger trail network. The trail will also be home to an Art Walk and Edible Avenue, which Ann Jacobson, chair of the Riverside Park Connector Path Art Walk and Edible Avenue Committee, will be available to explain.
The city obtained an easement in 2022 to allow for the alignment of the walking trail, making the project possible. Over 2023 and 2024, the city received a total of $750,000 in MassTrails grants for construction and the city contributed $435,000 from a federal American Rescue Plan Act grant.
Those planning to attend the guided tour will gather at the ballfield end of the park, near the dog park, along the river. Registration takes place here.