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The goal is to create a series of recreational trails and parks throughout South Portland.

By MELANIE CREAMER News Assistant September 26, 2007

In the last 50 years or so, a handful of people have discovered a remote piece of land tucked behind The Home Depot store in South Portland.

Until a year ago, it was largely inaccessible. Hidden was the piece of land, full of crevasses, tributaries, brooks, a variety of trees and wildlife.

The South Portland Land Trust and its West End Trails Committee, along with an army of volunteers, cleared and shaped a 1.2-mile trail around Clark's Pond. On Sunday, the trail opens in grand style with the first annual Long Creek Family Day, beginning at 10 a.m. at the start of the trail behind The Home Depot.

Tom Blake, president of the land trust, said about 85 volunteers cleared the footpath and members of the Appalachian Mountain Club refined and enhanced the trail. The completion of the project was made possible by a $30,000 government grant.

"A few months ago, I saw a family of turkeys there," Blake said. "People have seen deer. For most of the trail, you see nothing but wildlife. Off in the distance, you hear vehicles."

Gov. John Baldacci is expected to kick off the celebration by cutting the ribbon to open the trail. Blake will lead the first walk at 10 a.m. There will be a cookout at 11:30 a.m. at Jordan Park, in the Brick Hill development, followed by activities such as kayaking and fly-fishing, led and donated by L.L. Bean.

There will be a public tour of "The Castle," at 1:45 p.m. which is included in the national register of historic buildings.

The opening of Clark's Pond Trail is just the beginning. Sunday marks the release of the trail committee's master plan, which includes an extensive series of recreational trails, walkways, bike paths, and parks that will connect many neighborhoods. It will also highlight the city's most scenic and historic locations.

"South Portland has some beautiful areas that are unknown to residents," said Richard Rottkov, vice president of the trust and a member of the trails committee. "There is a waterfall here that no one knows about. Our goal is to connect these neighborhoods and bolster access."

Along with the release of the master plan, Blake said they will announce a steward to take care of the land.

"The little old lady that lives on Meeting House Hill can't afford the taxes to take care of this land. We found a steward that will," Blake said. "Our hope is that someday someone from the Eastern Trail will see a sign that says Maine Mall -- three miles this way."

News Assistant Melanie Creamer can be contacted at 791-6361 or at:

mcreamer@pressherald.com