SPECTRUM NEWS • May 14, 2024
As she walked on a trail in Augusta’s Howard Hill Historical Park, Theresa Kerchner pointed out the tree roots that crisscrossed the path. There were rocks too. And deep ruts good for turning an ankle. “This is really hard for a lot of people to walk on,” said Kerchner, executive director of the Kennebec Land Trust. “It will just be much nicer when it’s level.” Kerchner is working with the cities of Augusta and Hallowell on a plan to turn the path into a universal access trail that can be used by those in wheelchairs or others with mobility challenges. The plan is to raise $1 million to convert a roughly one-mile trail into a wide and level path, build a parking lot near the entrance on Ganneston Drive and set aside some funds for future needs.