Cities across the country are revitalizing their waterfronts, uncovering and transforming former industrialized landscapes into lush green corridors. This trend is inspiring residents and visitors to reconnect with their urban waterways. Maine offers a handful of examples including Portland’s Eastern Promenade, the Bangor Waterfront, and the Androscoggin River Bicycle Path in Brunswick. Screen Shot 2016-07-22 at 4.03.53 PM

The recently completed Brewer Riverwalk hugs the eastern banks of the Penobscot River. The 0.4-mile paved greenway offers a safe and enjoyable alternative to the busy State Route 9. It also mirrors the river’s western bank in neighboring Bangor, which is home to the 0.8-mile Waterfront Trail, designated as part of the ECG in Spring 2015.

The Brewer Riverwalk is particularly unique in that it makes connections to essential services like grocery stores and local attractions including the Brewer Children’s Garden and Mason’s Brewing Company, which opened shortly after the Riverwalk was complete.

We are currently working with the City of Brewer and the ECGA Greenway Council to officially designate this gem into the ECG travel route.

Connecticut: New Segment of Farmington Canal Heritage Trail Opens in Cheshire

Farmington_Canal_RibboncuttingOn July 9, a new 1.5 miles of the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail opened in Cheshire, Connecticut. This, along with another 2.5 miles to the north, will be designated as East Coast Greenway later this year. ECGA Tri-State Coordinator Bruce Donald spoke at the ribbon cutting ceremony, along with Connecticut’s DOT Commissioner James Redeker, Cheshire Town Manager Michael Milone, and others.

This new segment connects New Haven to northern Southington with only a small .67 mile gap remaining in Cheshire to be completed next year.

East Coast Greenway
Regional News: July 2016
Posted on July 27, 2016