Work gets underway Monday, July 17 on the Eternal Flame Trail, to improve safety and access for the thousands who visit the eternal flame at Chestnut Ridge Park each year.
“I was proud to have secured funding for this important project. Chestnut Ridge Park is a jewel, and the eternal flame is one of the most popular hiking destinations in all our county parks,” said Minority Leader Legislator John Mills.
Legislator Mills appropriated seventy-thousand dollars for the trail upgrades one year ago as part of the 2021 budget balancing amendments. The Chestnut Ridge Conservancy presented the initiative to the Erie County Parks Department more than one year ago. This year’s work will be Phase 1 and cost $135 thousand.
“We are grateful to John Mills for supporting the Conservancy in this initiative. This trail remediation will really help in the safety of the trail hike and reduce some of the trail degradation,” said Conservancy President Gordon M. Panek.
The trail design, construction, and consulting firm Tahawus, Inc. will be doing the work. Portions of the trail will be re-routed as there will be construction equipment and material in certain areas of the trail. It’s estimated the project will take one month to complete.
“It’s important that we keep hikers and visitors to our parks safe. This work will allow that for those visiting the flame. Re-investment in some of our greatest assets is so important, and certainly our Erie County parks are a treasure,” concluded Legislator Mills.
