With paths and trails, success breeds success

There’s nothing like actual results to confirm whether a proposed project or initiative will gain traction.

The state’s natural resources and transportation departments recently signed an agreement committing them to work toward creation of a world-class system of trails and paths to connect communities for recreational and alternative transportation opportunities.

This is a major initiative, but will it work to get people outside more and active?

If the Junction and Breakwater Trail between Lewes and Rehoboth Beach is any indication, the initiative has a great chance of being successful not only from a health and recreation point of view, but also from an economic development perspective.

The J&B allows people to walk and bike between the two towns and is used year-round as part of a healthy life experience. As Delaware develops more trails and paths connecting communities as well as parks and natural areas, the state will enhance its reputation as a destination.

With our beaches, tax-free shopping, cultural and historical resources – not to mention our flat terrain that makes bicycling fun and easy – there are plenty of places to go. The restaurant community can take heart as well.  People outside burning calories build up healthy appetites.

As the interconnected trails mentality takes hold, more and more opportunities will arise to add to the excitement.

There is lots of talk about connecting the Junction and Breakwater Trail with a future trail between Lewes and Georgetown along the rail line.  Now that the Indian River Inlet area of Delaware Seashore State Park – with its trails and campgrounds and beaches – is moving from construction zone to a real park setting, more attention can be placed on enhancing the bicycle connections between that area, Rehoboth Beach and Bethany Beach.

One item in the trails agreement charges natural resources and transportation to:

“Streamline any and all permitting and right-of-way acquisition processes necessary for each project   . . . to minimize the time needed to render each project open for use.”

In other words, let’s get moving. Our health and economy need all the help they can get, sooner as opposed to later.