Woodbury receives $2,000 parks grant from Wal-Mart

Central Valley - Wal-Mart has donated $2,000 to the Woodbury Parks Department that will be used toward a new walking-jogging fitness path at Earl Reservoir Park in the Town of Woodbury.

Back in January, Woodbury Supervisor of Parks and Recreation Gilda Brennan applied for the grant through David Pence, “In an era of health and fitness consciousness, the park is heavily populated all year round,” Brennan wrote in a press release. “Various leagues use our park facilities and all age residents power walk, jog, stroll and bike ride on the entrance road into the park called Coach Wilson Trail. It is approximately 1.5 miles long and circles the peripheries of the developed portion of the 250-acre property, which we refer to as ‘the jewel of our community.’”

“The road is very curvaceous with blind spots to both pedestrians and drivers, who challenge one another in a serious conflict of road usage.,” she added. “Despite the posted speed signs of 15 miles per hour, senior members, walking moms with toddlers and strollers, dog walkers and bicycle riders, report close calls and strong concerns to me constantly.”

A topical survey has been completed. The town’s Buildings and Grounds, Water and Sewer and the Highway Departments will contribute labor and construction to the five-foot wide path.

Several community youth groups will be asked to participate, including the campers of the park commission’s seasonal “Day Camp Rez.”

Once the construction of the path is complete, there will be identification and markings of the trees and foliage on the path; a second phase will include expansion of the natural habitats for the wildlife such as ducks, various bird species, deer and the butterflies that have made Earl Reservoir their home.

“Our goal is to take pedestrians off of the roadway, ensuring safety to all visitors,” Brennan said.

The seven-member Park Commission - Joe Gianzero, Denice da Cunha, Nancy Simpson, Joanne Stabile, Steven Lopez, Fred Ungerer and Willie Menduno - are overseeing the design and creation of the path.