Southwick residents can now use the rail trail from Westfield to Farmington, Conn.
State State Sen. Michael R. Knapik, Southwick Selectman Fred Arnold, Southwick Parks and Recreation officials Daniel Call and state Rep. Nicholas A. Boldyga, from left, participate in the grand opening of the final section of Southwick's rail trail, along Feeding Hills Road, Friday. Waiting for their first ride were Rodger and Loretta Yargeau of Southwick, and Gerry Ledger of Granby Conn.SOUTHWICK - Riding the Jog, the town's six-mile rail trail, has become a daily activity for residents Loretta and Rodger Yargeau.
"I ride the trail everyday. I enjoy it very much," said Loretta Yargeau as she and her husband joined town and state officials Friday for the official opening of Southwick's 3-mile Phase 2 of the trail.
"I join her as often as I can," said Rodger Yargeau. "It is a wonderful trail," he said.
Southwick's portion of the Columbia Greenway Trail extends from Suffield, Conn. to the Westfield city line. In all, bikers and hikers have access to nearly 30 miles of trail from Westfield to Farmington, Conn.
The Yargeaus rode their bikes from Southwick to Simsbury, Conn. and back Friday morning.
Southwick Parks and Recreation Commission member and bike trail liaison Daniel D. Call said the town's stretch of the trail "was 17 years in the making and this is another benchmark that Southwick has made."
State Sen. Michael R. Knapik, R-Westfield, noted that the Southwick's interest in joining in the Columbia Greenway Trail project was born by a "group of fifth grade students here back in 1995" while state Rep. Nicholas Boldyga, R-Southwick, called the trail "a great accomplishment for the town."
Selectman Chairman Fred B. Arnold said completion is the "result of a joint effort by several town boards and commissions with state and federal financial support."
Kelly McDermott of Simsbury, Conn., and Barbara J. Vanderhoof of Agawam, said they enjoy walking the trail despite a light rain that was falling Friday afternoon.
"It is new, it is clear and level and we feel safe walking it," said Vanderhoof. "It is also great for seniors to use," she added.
Also enjoying a bicycle ride on the trail Friday was Sasha M. Zatyrka, of Suffield. "I ride several times a week. It is awesome," she said.
Phase I of the trail, from Suffield to Point Grove Road opened in May 2010. Construction of the six mile trail cost $4 million with most of the funding coming from federal highway funding.