TRURO - A simple signature on a document yesterday officially launched a public/private agreement designed to turn a negative situation positive.
And, the ultimate result will see three bicycle trails being created on lands owned by the Bible Hill Cemetery.
"This is a pretty big co-operative effort between private industry and the public sector," said Christine Blair, in her role as cemetery president. "So what we did, we turned a negative into a positive."
A portion of the Cobequid Trail currently runs through sections of the cemetery property and the cycling trails will be created separately from the pedestrian portion to help keep the various users apart.
The system is to consist of 800 metres of beginner trails, 700 metres of moderate trails and 760 metres of difficult trails.
The trails are being designed for use by students at Bible Hill Junior High School, who are involved in a cycling club. Physical education teacher Gilles Boudreau identified both the need for such a trail and the possibility of creating one on the cemetery property.
"This is excellent for good health and physical fitness and more and more students are becoming interested in our program," Boudreau said. "I can see the use of this trail being expanded to other schools in the future."
The negative aspect of things came into play when officials realized that some area youth were creating their own trails throughout the wooded area. But in addition to doing it without permission or planning, Blair said, the amateur trails were creating problems because of the high stumps left behind.
"And it was creating a dangerous situation," she said. "But we have to maintain and respect the cemetery property. I mean there are a lot of people here who have loved ones here and that is so very important."
After forming a committee to look at the situation, an agreement was reached between the cemetery and the Village of Bible Hill, which is contributing $4,500 to the project.
The trail system was designed by Garnet McLaughlin, owner of Cobequid Trail Consulting, and is expected to be completed in about two weeks.
