Letter: What's new about this year's Hoosic River Run

To the editor: Thank you for the excellent, comprehensive feature article about the second annual Hoosic River Run taking place this Saturday morning at Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art Courtyard A. ("New half marathon will trace Hoosic River, Mount Williams Reservoir," Eagle, Aug. 31.)

I write to highlight a new part of that race: the complete opening of the Noel Field walking path along the South Branch of the Hoosic River, the first time in over 20 years both berms are completely open.

After several years of negotiations and legal research done for the Hoosic River Revival, the city has arranged for the permanent removal of the two chain-link high fences that were erected on city-owned land by an adjacent property owner. Now everyone can experience the joy of walking (or running) along both sides of the only naturally flowing section of the Hoosic River in downtown North Adams — a most beautiful, restful, pastoral three-mile path.

This grassy path starts at the northern tip of the berms near the Joe Wolfe baseball diamond and goes south to Hunter Foundry Road, crosses the little bridge over the river and continues back along the other berm to the parking lot near the Freight Yard Pub little bridge. What a view everyone will have.

If you are free this Saturday, come on down and cheer the Hoosic River runners while you enjoy the view. For more information or to volunteer or to register to run/walk visit hoosicriverrevival.org or call 413-398-5288.

Judy Grinnell, Williamstown

The writer is founder of Hoosic River Revival.