By Adam Brazeau
CORNWALL, Ontario – The path to growth for a snowy gem in South Glengarry just got a lot smoother.
The Kinsmen Club of Cornwall donated $3,500 to the Friends of the Summerstown Trails (FOTST), for youth programs and upgrading equipment, at a cheque presentation on Saturday, Feb. 7.
“We were approached to help and thought it was a worthwhile project because it promotes physical activity and involves youth; two of our priorities as a club,” said Claude Legault, treasurer of the local chapter of Kinsmen.
FOTST, a volunteer group with 130 members led by a board of directors, maintains two trail networks, including 20 kilometers of cross-country ski trails (classic and skating) and nine kilometers of snowshoe trails which were created five years ago.
There’s no set fee to enjoy the trails, but a donation of your choice helps with maintenance costs. According to the FOTST website, it takes two volunteers nearly five hours to do one grooming and tracking run.
For half a century, the cross-country ski trails have been a popular recreational site for hundreds of outdoor enthusiasts.
Jean-Pierre Tibi, FOTST board member, said roughly 1,000 elementary students visit the site on an annual basis.
“About 14 schools from all over the area have come for morning outings over the last five years,” said Tibi.
He added FOTST was formed eight years ago to keep the trails “groomed and going, but have become more and more a community service club.”
Tibi invites newbies and avid enthusiasts to join in on the fun, especially the annual FOTST Family Day celebration on Monday, Feb. 16. Free activities will run between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
The trailhead and parking lot are nestled in the Summerstown Forest at 6150 County Road 27 (Summerstown Road) in Williamstown, located 1. 6 kilometers north of Highway 401 (Exit 804).
FOTST offers cross-country ski and snowshoe rentals at the trailhead on weekends.
The trails can also be used in summer for walking, hiking, and biking.
For more information, visit www.summerstowntrails.com.
