Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE – Getting to the mall just got a lot easier – for recreational vehicles, that is.
“We’ve been working on opening a link to the trail system behind the mall. The process has taken a couple years but now it’s complete,” said Aroostook Centre Mall Manager Patti Crooks.
Much of the work was done by members of the Presque Isle Snowmobile Club, with help from Soderberg Construction, of Caribou.
“Soderburg provided us with the fill we needed. We wanted to do this sooner but had to wait until work at Lowe’s was completed – it was a safety issue,” said Theodore “Ted” Roberts, vice president of the snowmobile club.
The trail head has been officially named after the late Mark E. McKenney, a local snowmobile enthusiast.
“We named the trail after an Aroostook County native, from Fort Fairfield, who was a lifelong sledder and outdoorsman. Mark was a member of the Aroostook River Snowmobile Club and served as a board member the last five years. He was tragically killed on Feb. 10, 2006, in a snowmobile accident,” said Crooks, who noted McKenney was a 1993 graduate of Presque Isle High School and had worked in the snowmobile industry for about 15 years, including operating a kiosk at one time at the mall.
His wife Wendy, daughter Karley and mother, Judy Edmunds, were on hand for the ceremony. Also on hand were members of the Presque Isle Snowmobile Club, including: Roberts; Wayne Sweetser, assistant trailmaster; Howard Cushman, past president; and Norm Driscoll, the former Maine Groomer of the Year.
“This was a wonderful thing in the making – two years of work and planning. The land didn’t lend itself to this; it was a commitment by all involved,” said Crooks.
Crooks said the intricate part of the plan was tying in area businesses.
“This allows folks using the trail to go to Slopes, Lowe’s, any of the mall businesses – even over to area housing.
Other groups have also been involved in the planning of the connector.
“The Presque Isle Water District and DEP were involved in the planning stage. B.R. Smith was very involved. This was the dream of many people. It’s a wonderful partnership that will benefit those visiting the area,” said Crooks.
Crooks indicated sleds make up a portion of their winter business at the mall.
“It’s courteous, safety-minded sledders who are an important part of our business at the mall,” said Crooks.
Work began around August and was completed in late September.
“It took a couple months to construct, using tons of fill. Larry Allen and Carl Soderberg worked with B.R. Smith on the engineering aspect of the trail’s design. It took a lot of planning and coordinating and a lot of volunteer hours were involved,” said Crooks.
“And government approval,” added Roberts.
The completed project was the combined partnership of for-profit businesses, non-profits and volunteers.
“To pull this off for this season is a tremendous statement of how people can work together,” said Crooks.
As with any trail, Roberts said the emphasis here is trail safety.
“Trails are for everyone. If used properly, all can have a good time,” said Roberts. “Safety is paramount.”
Crooks said all forms of recreational enthusiasts are welcome to use the trail, provided they use caution.
“We welcome sledders, ATVs, walkers – anyone who wants to use this, they’re welcome to do so. We just want people to use caution and keep the speed down to prevent accidents,” said Crooks.
Parking will be available in the mall’s overflow parking area, according to Crooks.
Crooks is hoping having a groomed trail in the mall’s back yard will enhance tourism.
“This has raised a lot of interest, having a groomed trail – a safe route to get from the trail to the parking lot. This will help build tourism to the area. We’re the only mall in the state that has such access for recreational vehicles,” said Crooks.
