Freedom Area Citizen’s Council Hopes to Raise Funds By Forming Freedom Trail Foundation

The county approved the Freedom Trail concept headed by the Freedom Area Citizen’s Council, but the funds to start construction are yet to be collected.

This month the Freedom Area Citizens’ Council, in cooperation with the Community Foundation of Carroll County, formed the Freedom Trail Foundation to channel tax-deductible financial contributions into a fund benefitting the proposed Freedom Trail.

The concept was approved by the county last year and includes a bicycle and pedestrian trail that will connect Eldersburg and Sykesville through road and traditional bike paths. The Freedom Trail will pass through the Springfield Hospital Center and into Freedom Park.

With requests pending for state funding and county funding from the commissioners, the FACC founded the Freedom Trail in hopes of raising money for the creation, maintenance and expansion of the trail.

“Our board is excited about the Freedom Trail Foundation and the active role it will play in promoting the Trail,” said Ellen Dix, president of the FACC.

“With the trail located on county, state and municipal property, we felt it was important to provide benevolent guidance and support for this important project, which will ultimately benefit many users. As such, our board agreed that the new foundation is consistent with FACC’s charge of advocating for the citizens of the Freedom community.”   

The FACC also believes that the trail will provide local businesses with the opportunity to encourage wellness among employees.

“It would be great if companies channeled some of the dollars they spent on wellness into promoting exercise opportunities on the trail,” said FACC board member Ross Dangel, adding that “providing employees the opportunity to bike to work when possible, or encouraging employees to walk or ride during lunch breaks is consistent with a healthier workplace.”

In addition, the trail foundation is planning a “Freedom Family Fun Ride” along the route for Sunday, June 5, from noon to 2 p.m. starting in Freedom Park.

Sponsored by the FACC, the Freedom Trail Foundation, the Freedom Area Recreation Council (FARC) and the Town of Sykesville, the event is one way to raise funds and  awareness of the trail and its benefits to the community.

“This should be a great way to introduce bicyclists to part of the proposed route and promote area cycling in general,” said Dangel.  

The FACC said that with more available funding, the trail could move quickly from concept to reality and be expanded to include mountain biking areas or stretching and rest areas. 

To make a tax-deductible contribution to the trail, please contact Ellen Dix at Ellen@freedomareacitizens.org or Ross Dangel at Ross@freedomareacitizens.org.