Travelers on the Clinton River Trail now have a new place to rest near downtown Rochester thanks to the generous donation of area resident Gelene Pigott. Working through the Friends of the Clinton River Trail’s (FCRT) Memorial Bench Program, Gelene provided the necessary funds for installation of an ADA compliant bench at the Letica Road trailhead overlooking both the trail and the Clinton River.
Rochester resident Gelene Pigott received a heartfelt thank-you from DPW Director David Anason for her donation of a bench for the Clinton River Trail at the Letica Road trailhead
Gelene and her two sons, Troy Pigott and Trent Pigott, are frequent users of the Clinton River Trail. One day while discussing the trail, Gelene suggested someday it would be nice have a bench on the trail in her honor. Her sons responded, “Why not do it now so you can enjoy it yourself?” That started the process of working with FCRT and the City of Rochester to find an appropriate location, get the bench ordered and have it installed.
David Anason, Director of Rochester’s Department of Public Works, met with Gelene to “officially” accept the donation on behalf of the City of Rochester and all trail users. Anason commented “it is such honor to meet and work with a resident like Gelene who is so committed to improving the trail she loves and uses. The City of Rochester is tremendously grateful for her donation!” For her part, Gelene said “I’m just happy to be able to provide something for everyone to use. It is a wonderful spot to relax and watch people and the river go by.”
FCRT is an all-volunteer group committed to promoting the Clinton River Trail as a safe and enjoyable recreation destination. FCRT actively works with each of the five cities through which the 16 mile long trail passes (Rochester, Rochester Hills, Auburn Hills, Pontiac and Sylvan Lake) to identify needs and install appropriate signage and amenities consistent with its mission.
Learn more about FCRT, it’s Memorial Bench Program and the Clinton River Trail at www.ClintonRiverTrail.org.
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