The Lancaster Bicycle Club recently presented a grant award of $1,160 to Sadsbury Township, which will use the funds to help complete a portion of the Enola Low-Grade Trail that runs through the township.

Accepting the check from Dave Stauffer, president of the Lancaster Bicycle Club, was Jim Weagley, chair of the township's trail committee.

The Enola Low-Grade Trail follows the right-of-way of the old Atglen and Susquehanna Branch of the Pennsylvania Railroad, which linked Atglen with the Harrisburg area.

"Basically, the trail is an old freight train line that goes from Atglen to the Susquehanna River. That section is now being developed into a trail for hiking, walking and biking," Weagley explained. "We are part of that trail that has not been developed as yet. About two-thirds of the trail is mostly done, and by that I mean the surfacing, (the addition of) benches and amenities."

The trail runs through several townships and boroughs, and each municipality is in charge of its own section. In Sadsbury Township, the Enola Low-Grade Trail is located between Upper Valley Road and Valley Run, which measures about 5 miles.

"Our trailhead will be located on White Oak Road. The township plans to grade and surface the trail either with gravel and/or asphalt," Weagley said, noting the project is strongly supported by supervisors Gene Lammey, Bob Newlin and Jeff Priddy.

"We want to put a small parking lot and an access path and some benches (at the trailhead)," Weagley noted. "We have the tech department at Octorara High School making some benches. We will do landscaping and construct a pergola, a small structure with a roof to protect (people) from the elements, and (add) signage."

He said grants will be used to complete the project over the next two years, including monies from PennDOT and the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. "We have been fortunate in terms of getting donations from local businesses," Weagley added.

Weagley said that the communities the trail goes through have taken ownership of the property. "There was some reluctance initially about who is going to maintain it and about property damage or vandalism," he said, "but what has happened is that while some of that occurs, the public polices the trail and cares for it. Communities are invested in it. It is a really nice thing."

He said the Enola Low-Grade Trail is ideal for people of all abilities. "There is minimal elevation changes," he said. "People of any fitness level can enjoy it.

"It is beautiful, especially by the river and through all the farmland," he continued. "Even our section now, which is not fully developed, gets a decent amount of activity. I see people walking or biking."

The Sadsbury Township Trail Committee meets at 6 p.m. on the second Wednesday of each month at the township building, 7182 White Oak Road, Christiana. Guests are welcome. For more information and to view a map of the trail, visit http://www.sadsburytownshiplancaster.org and choose Departments and then Recreation.