Seasons Greetings from The Baldwin County Trailblazerstop

Dear Friends of the Trailblazers,
 
Wishing you every joy of  this Holiday Season and prosperity in the New Year.
 
Here's a look back at 2009! 
 
Early Spring, 2009....Spanish Fort!

The first sidewalk in the city of Spanish Fort is an extension of the Eastern Shore Trail.  It begins at the northern tip of Gator Alley, proceeds north on Hwy 90/98 to US 31.  There it veers east passing two shopping centers and two churches and ends at the entrance to Spanish Fort Elementary's ball field.  Along the way it veers in and out around live oaks, crosses 90/98, then becomes a boardwalk in front of the Bass Pro Shop.  Shown riding the new trail are Mark Sutherland and sons, Aengus and Brodae. Back to Top
 
 
June 12....Point Clear!
 
Trailblazer BannerAmongst a happy crowd of well wishers celebrating this festive June 12th groundbreaking of the final lap of the five mile Point Clear trail were Trailblazers Randy Davis and Tony Edwards, Grand Hotel general manager, David Clark, and County Commissioner, Ed Bishop.  The Grand catered high tea under Regions Bank's white tent.  Once completed this will connect the point with County Road 32 and beyond to Mullet Point Park.  Back to Top
 
 
Trailblazer BannerOctober 7th....Bay Minette!
 
 
This is how we spend your dollars.  At the October 7th meeting of the Baldwin County Commission, Trailblazer president, Walter Ernest, presented the Commissioners a check for $50,000.  This will help meet the County's 20% match on a federal grant to extend the Trail along US 98 from Mullet Point to CR 13...bringing us within 3 miles of our final destination:  the Weeks Bay National Reserve at Fish River.  Shown clutching the mock check for $50,000 are (l-r) Commissioner Frank Burt, Trailblazers' Walter Ernest, Terry Redfearn and Teko Wiseman, and Commissioners Skip Gruber, Wayne Gruenloh, and Ed Bishop. Back to Top
 
October 27....Foley!
 
On a chilly October morning under sparkling blue skies, 204 cyclists headed out for the first "Tour de Foley" hosted by the City of Foley, the Foley Lions Club, and the Trailblazers.  Seasoned cyclists chose between 62 and 25 mile courses exploring the scenic byways of south Baldwin County.  Children and the faint of heart rode the 3 mile Fun Ride.  All arrived back safely at Foley's Heritage Park ... delighting in the camaraderie and proud of themselves...The Trailblazers' share of registration fees will help complete the Eastern Shore Trail. Back To Top
 
 
November 11....Eastern Shore, Baldwin County!
Trailblazer Banner 
Landscape Architect, Will Mastin, designed these rustic kiosks that dot the Trail at eight locations.  They display a detailed map of the Eastern Shore Trail, highlighting destinations along the way such as the Battleship USS Alabama, Five Rivers, public piers and parks, wilderness pathways, popular birding sites, Meaher Park camp grounds, and Gator Alley ... the boardwalk under Interstate 10.  The kiosks were paid for by a Recreational Trails Grant administered by our good friends at ADECA. Back To Top
 
November 23....Eastern Shore, Baldwin County!
Thanks to an ADECA grant for signage to mark the twists and turns of the Eastern Shore Trail as it courses from the Battleship across the causeway, through busy bayfront communities and on to Weeks Bay, these 9" x 9" brown reflective signs will point the way for non-motorized traffic on two feet or two wheels.  The signs with arrows are directional.  The ones without arrows are mile markers.  Shown installing the signs are Terry Redfearn and Lloyd Turner who spearheaded this project.
 
 
Creating Trails and Bikeways is Exciting and Rewarding Work!
 
We've submitted the Eastern Shore Trail to the National Park Service for official designation as a "National Recreational Trail."  If granted this will shine the national spotlight on the Eastern Shore and the quality of life we enjoy here.  It would also put us first in line for approval of future grant applications administered in Montgomery where the Baldwin County Trailblazers are considrered models for other non-profits.
 
We have applied for and received federal grant money to assist local municipalities build new sidewalks between neighborhoods and schools.  We've installed trail maps, trail wayfinding signs, and have worked to enhance the pedestrian and bicycle culture in Baldwin County.
 
But the news is not all good.  Our state's ranking as #2 in obesity in the nation demands a response.  We believe that sidewalks and bike trails provide a cost free setting for regular exercise, not just for the fun of it, but also to combat obesity as well as heart disease, diabetes, emphysema, and osteoporosis.  And we need many more "Safe Routes to School" so children can grow up healthy riding bikes and walking to school.
 
All in all it's been a grand year for blazing new trails in Baldwin County.  The Trailblazers have volunteered hundreds of hours of their time in pursuit of a healthy and enjoyable lifestyle for all Baldwin Countians.  Through your and our combined personal giving we have been able to build pedestrian pathways throughout Baldwin County linking community to community, town to country, and people to people.  Still there is much left to do.  We are a 100% volunteer organization.  This means your contribution will be wholly tax deductible.  It also guarantees that it will be applied 100% to the funding and construction of trails in Baldwin County.  Back to Top 
 
This is an exciting and worthy endeavor.  Please join us by giving generously.
 
From the Trailblazers Board of Directors
 
Walter Ernest, President
The Baldwin County Trailblazers, Inc.
"Friends of the Trailblazer's" Application 
 

Trailblazer BannerTo make your tax deductible investment in Baldwin County's quality of life go farther we are converting our quarterly newsletter to an e-mail delivery.  Of course we'll continue mailing to those of you who aren't computer driven, just let us know, but we can save a bundle by keeping in tourch via the internet when possible. 

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