Upper Nazareth Township has no significant linked trails or paths within its borders. A new study shows how up to 36 miles of trails could be added.
A new trail feasibility study identified about 36 miles of trails and paths that could potentially wind their way throughout the township.
Upper Nazareth Township supervisors are considering adopting the study that was conducted by HRG, a planning and engineering firm.
The study is the result of eight months of meetings, discussions and surveys conducted in the township.
“Our goal is to create a robust trail system coupled with bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure in Upper Nazareth Township that can be enjoyed by all users while enhancing access to the greater regional and local trail system,” the study states.
One of the stated goals is to provide safe access to at least one park, trail or recreation amenity for passive or active recreation within a 10-minute walk of every township residence, as feasible.
“We can connect our township to an existing trail network that is pretty expansive in the Lehigh Valley,” township supervisor Scott Sylvainus said. “We can interconnect neighborhoods with schools, and obviously there are the health benefits of biking and running,”
A fully built out trail systems comes with an estimated $10 million cost. Sylvainus said the study may be helpful in obtaining federal or state grant money to pick up the costs.
“We don’t have $10 million sitting around,” Sylvainus said.
Sylvainus said the implementation of the trail system is a long-term plan that could take 15 years to come into realization.
Even if supervisors adopt the study at their December meeting, the plan is for guidance only and does not obligate the township as to its implementation.