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Gull Crest Trail gets a new look: a kiosk and a fresh blanket of snow

By Muzzy Barton

This past fall has again been a busy one for the Gull Crest Trail Committee and the ongoing project to refine and expand our community multiuse trail. It was almost one year ago that the e two-and-a-half-kilometer loop trail was completed with the help of hundreds of volunteer work hours and over $22,000 in private donations.

Since the opening of the trail last December, numerous individuals and teams have taken advantage of the facility. The school Nordic teams trained on the trail into March last spring. With the addition of the new Skandic groomer last January, the trail was groomed by the Cape Nordic volunteers and facilitated over 50 ski days last winter. The snowmobilers in the community also used the trail, as did snowshoers and walkers. In the spring, mountain bikers, bird watchers and dog walkers discovered the new trail. And last fall, the cross-country running teams as well as other school teams trained on the trail.

The most recent addition to the trail has been the new post and beam kiosk that can be seen at the trailhead. This great new addition comes from the generous and ambitious Eagle Scout project of Spencer Garland. Spencer is a sophomore in high school and an active member of the High School Nordic Ski and the Cross Country teams. Spencer, with the help of his father, designed, organized, purchased and constructed the new kiosk. He has also overseen several Scout work parties on the trail. They have been active clearing and hauling wood from the trail. Also, in the past year David Jones, a community member, has volunteered his time and equipment chipping the trails, and so has Skip Murray, who has generously donated additional time excavating and grading the trail.

The Gull Crest Committee began a new capital campaign to raise additional funds for the new phase of the rail expansion. It is hoped that in the next year we will have the resources to clear and excavate another three kilometers of the trail. This Phase 2 project has been approved by the town; however, there is some additional permitting that will soon be underway. The estimated costs of completing Phase 2, which would include clearing, excavating, installing culverts, grading and seeding, are approximately $50,000. If you are interested in making a tax-deductible contribution or pledge to the Gull Crest Trail Fund, checks can be made out to “Gull Crest Trail Fund,” 33 Wells Road, Cape Elizabeth, 04107. We are also looking for corporate sponsorship, which could include naming rights and signage on the trail.

Finally, we will be putting together volunteer work parties in the spring. If you are interested in helping in a fun community-based effort, please come join us. If you have any questions, call Muzzy Barton, 799-7638.

The second annual Cape Nordic Community Day will be celebrated on the trail on Sunday, Feb. 24, from 12 to 3 p.m. This is a fun “open house” event with refreshments, kids’ events and fun races open to all in the community. This is a great chance to see the trail and experience Nordic skiing. Tours of the trail, ski equipment, and snowshoes will be available for free use. Plan to spend your afternoon by getting some fresh air and experiencing the new “gem” of Cape Elizabeth.