PHOTOS: Yawkey Trail Dedication at Mt. Helix Park

About three dozen people gathered on Saturday morning for the official dedication and ribbon cutting for "Yawkey Trail," a footpath and nature walk that is more than a year in the making.

Those in attendance included Mt. Helix Park Foundation board members, key supporters, executive director Tracey Stotz and Senator Joel Anderson.

Instead of a ribbon at the trailhead, there was a log, wrapped in ribbon that was cut with a chainsaw by Mark Allen, president of the board.

Sen. Anderson presented certificates of recognition to a few members of Eagle Scout Troop 319, who participated in projects along the trail to earn various certifications.

Before the "log-cutting," Allen and board member John Mead both addressed the attendees, telling of the many hours of planning and volunteer work that helped make the trail a reality. Allen said it was a dream of Miles Steppach, a former Mt. Helix resident, who desired to have a walking trail near the park. With more than 2,000 volunteer hours put into the project, that dream has become a reality.

Long awaited and lovingly-constructed by dedicated volunteers under the guidance of Mead, Allen, and local surveyor Jeff Safford, the quarter-mile trail includes stunning viewpoints, rest area benches, and descriptive signage and panoramic view indicators.

The photos for the panaoramic views were taken by local photographer and former civic leader Bob Cederdahl.