BERLIN, N.H. -- The grand opening of the ATV trail through Berlin is sched-uled for 10 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 7.The trail will allow ATVs to travel on selected city streets as a means of connecting trail systems at Jericho Mountain State Park and Success.
Connecting the two systems will pro-vide riders with close to 100 miles of ATV trails, with more mileage expected to be available in the future.
Hoping to use the opening as a means of promoting Berlin as an ATV destination, the committee overseeing the effort is inviting top state and regional officials to the ceremony, including Gov. John Lynch, DRED Commissioner George Bald, Fish and Game Executive Director Glenn Nor-mandeau, Travel and Tourism Director Alice Desouza, Executive Councilor Raymond Burton, state Senator John Gallus, and the local state representatives.
"This is a big deal," said City Councilor Tim Cayer. The committee met yesterday to go over some final details. One lingering issue is the trail section in the vicinity of Dead River Park. The committee is hoping to get the Salvation Army to allow the trail to cross a section of its property. Without that approval, the committee identified York Street as a backup although there are concerns about the neighborhood’s reaction.
Cayer suggested routing the trail through the Dead River Park and repairing the damage that occurs as a result next spring. He said the ATV trail will only be open a few weeks this fall - until the snowmobile trail opens on Dec. 15. He said over the winter, the committee would have time to work out a long-term solution.
City Manager Patrick MacQueen reported a crew of inmates from the Northern New Hampshire Correctional Facility have done a good job clearing brush on Hutchins Street and will continue the work all the way to the ATV parking area on the Success Pond Road. Public Works foreman Gary Roy said he and Androscoggin Valley ATV Trail Master Erik Anderson have identified seven sign poles that need to be installed along the route - in many cases existing signs posts are able to be used.
The posts and diamond trail markings are awaiting the return of some dry warmer weather to get put in place. Roy said the weather forecast looks promising next week to allow that work to get done.
MacQueen said Public Service of N.H. has agreed to allow the city to put a kiosk up in Tondreau Park. Part of the kiosk will contain information on the connecting trail and maps of the entire ATV trail system in the valley. The other half would contain local advertising.
The committee discussed whether the kiosk should be placed at the southern or northern end of the park and decided on the southern end. Cayer said high school students have agreed to build the kiosk. The cost of the materials is just under $2,000 which the city expects it will be able to cover using grant money.
Cayer said he has also spoke to the high school’s woodworking and art departments about making some informational signs and reported the students are enthusiastic about getting involved in the project.Police
Chief Peter Morency reminded the committee that it had decided to put signs at the entrances, outlining the rules and regulations of the trail. For example, certified underage drivers will be able to use the trail if accompanied by an adult over 25.
He emphasized safety is important if the city wants the trail to be a success. The committee agreed that such signs should be placed at trail heads and parking areas. The police department will also be scheduling a series of informational hearings at city hall to educate the public about the trail and proper use.