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Cape Region trails nominated for hall of fame

Rails-to-Trails Conservancy opens online voting for prestigious honor through Aug. 6
July 30, 2021

The Lewes-to-Georgetown Trail and the Junction & Breakwater Trail are among three rail-trails to be nominated this year for the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy's Hall of Fame. If selected, the trails will join more than 30 other iconic trails in the hall.

To vote, go to de.gov/hofvote. Supporters can vote as many times as they like through 11:59 p.m., Friday, Aug. 6. Inductees are selected on merits such as scenic value, high use, trail and trailside amenities, historical significance, excellence in management and maintenance of facility, community connections and geographic distribution.

The winner, to be unveiled later this summer, will receive Rails-to-Trails Conservancy’s Hall of Fame signage for its trail, a feature in Trailblog and an article in the fall issue of the conservancy magazine.

The Lewes-to-Georgetown Trail has become one of the most popular pathways in Delaware with more than 1.2 million users in 2020. With plans to eventually extend the trail 16.7 miles and connect the two towns, the trail has been completed from Gills Neck Road in Lewes to the Route 9-Cool Spring Road intersection between Lewes and Harbeson. Two additional phases are planned for construction this year, including a project already underway in Georgetown.

The Junction & Breakwater Trail offers a 14-mile round-trip connection between Lewes and Rehoboth Beach, and offers access to the Lewes-to-Georgetown Trail in Lewes. A new Rehoboth Beach extension allows safer access to the trail from Rehoboth Avenue Extended to Hebron Road.

For more information on either trail, go to DelDOT.gov.

“This nomination means so much to the state of Delaware as we continue to increase mobility for pedestrians and bicyclists by expanding our trail network and creating safer routes,” said Nicole Majeski, secretary of transportation. “We want more people to choose walking and bicycling in their daily lives, not only as an alternative means of transportation but for recreation and to improve their health. Vote today and vote often in celebration of the state’s 500-plus miles of pedestrian and bike trails.”

“We are thrilled to have part of Delaware’s amazing trail system recognized nationally by the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy,” said Shawn Garvin, secretary, Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control. “Our trails provide health benefits to users and allows them to see the state's phenomenal natural resources along the way, and we hope this nomination spurs even more pedestrians and bicyclists to enjoy these incredible public spaces.”

Rail to Trails Conservatory began recognizing exemplary rail-trails across the country in 2007, and this year will decide the 35th trail added to the hall of fame.

 

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