Submitted by Mark Cipperly
If you would like to go for a stroll along a beautiful newly opened nature trail you need not travel very far. Friday evening, April 14th, the Town of Brunswick officially opened their new trails to the public for those wishing to indulge in some exercise and enjoy the wonders of nature along the way.
First conceived in the winter of 2021, work began on the trail system in the spring of 2022 and continued throughout the year. The finishing touches of the project were completed once this year’s snow melted.
With the full support of Supervisor Phil Herrington and the Town Board, Councilman Mark Cipperly spearheaded the project. Brunswick’s Jesse Hoffman and Water and Sewer Superintendent Bill Bradley were the driving force designing and doing the lion’s share of work. Hoffman has long been associated with Albany’s Pine Bush preserve. Brunswick’s Kim and Jim Wilson, along with other volunteers, lent a hand. The Wilsons have been stewards of the trail area for several years. Kudos to the Brunswick Highway Department for constructing the roadway into the trails.
The land for the trails came from a combination of donations and purchases. Marini Builders, after completing the Highland Creek Apartments, turned over 157.63 acres. Several years ago, Pollock’s Home Center donated 9.15 acres on Keyes Lane, with the town purchasing two tracts of land from the O’Malley family totaling 35.46 acres.
You can enter the trail system off Keyes Lane by the Brunswick Community center, where there is a large sign detailing each of the trails, none more than three quarters of a mile in length. There is another entrance on Bonesteel Lane. The trails are open during daylight hours.
