Get a Glimpse of the Freedom Trail

The purpose of the proposed Freedom Trail is to connect Eldersburg and Sykesville with an easy and safe passageway, and it's sponsors hope you agree it's a worthy endeavor.

Want to try it out?

You'll get a chance Sunday with the , sponsored by the Freedom Trail Fund. The event offers families the opportunity to explore the trail and the grounds of Springfield Hospital Center, and organizers hope it will lead to the raising of needed funds to complete the project. 

“It’s an opportunity to take in what we’re proposing to do and what that area looks like,” said Ross Dangel, principal of the Freedom Trail Fund.

“What a lot of people don’t realize is we’re not proposing to put a bike path in but we’re connecting well-used areas. We’re bringing in awareness to people about this amenity that people should be taking advantage of.”

The concept of the Freedom Trail 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, giving a safe option for recreational activities in the area.  

“People can go from Freedom Park to the confines of Eldersburg safely without worrying about getting hit by passing vehicles,” said Dangel.

While the event is about having fun and exploring the proposed area, for Dangel, it’s about finding a way to advance progress with the trail’s construction.

“This has a lot of meaningful impact for us rather than just a day for riding your bike,” said Dangel. “We’re in a holding pattern right now with the trail. What we’re trying to do is raise the funds to cover the sponsor commitment for a grant.”

The total cost for the trail is around $65,000 and 20 percent needs to come from sponsors, meaning $20,000 needs to be raised before the Freedom Trail Foundation can apply for a grant.

“I’m looking forward to Sunday and I’m hoping that collectively the community says this is something that they want and they’re willing to help make it a reality,” said Dangel.

No pre-registration is required for Sunday's ride. The event starts at noon and ends at 2 p.m. Find more information here.