Grand Opening Celebration planned for May 4
A ribbon-cutting event will be held May 4 at 6 p.m. to officially open a one-half-mile section of the City of Oneida’s Oneida Rail Trail between Seneca and Sayles St adjacent to Oneida High School.
Utilizing existing railbeds, the envisioned ORT trail system will eventually circle the city. While many portions of the railbeds are used by the community now, this half-mile segment represents a portion to be officially open and designated for public use.
The ribbon-cutting event will be held along the trail near Seneca Street and is open to the public to attend. Events include several speakers and the unveiling of new signage and trail gates at both ends of the segment. The gates were built by Oneida High School student Chase Ortlieb as his Eagle Scout project. Temporary historic photos will be placed along the trail during the event for those that attend to take a self-guided walk to learn more about how the railroad shaped the city.
The city will hold a clean-up event Saturday, April 30, from 9 to 11 a.m. to get the half-mile section ready for opening. During the clean-up event, volunteers can help pick up any litter and assist with the gates and signage.
“Many sections of these former railbeds are being used by the community as an informal trail system now, and the goal of the Oneida Rail Trail is to improve these green spaces and connect them together,” said city Parks and Recreation Director Luke Griff. “This section by the high school is currently one of the most heavily used sections of the current informal trail system. We are thrilled to be adding signage and officially opening this section for the community.”
The half-mile segment will be open to hiking and biking as well as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the winter. Leashed pets are also welcome on the trail. Motorized vehicles are not permitted on the trail. Trail users are asked to please respect private property and stay on the trail.
In September 2014, the city officially opened the first section of the Oneida Rail Trail, a one-mile segment from Hubbard Place to Lenox Avenue along the former West Shore railbed. That section continues to be enjoyed by the public.
In 2013 and 2014, the city submitted and was awarded funding from the NYS DOT Transportation Alternative Program for a combined 3.9-mile segment of the ORT. Eventually, this 3.9-mile segment will connect to the half-mile segment being opened now. Proposed renderings of this 3.9-mile section of the trail will also be available for viewing and public input at the grand opening May 4.
For more information on the Oneida Rail Trail, visit www.ImproveOneida.com.