WATERVILLE — Miles of new mountain bike trails and a boat launch on Messalonskee Stream are just a few of the improvements planned this summer at Quarry Road Trails.

Friends of Quarry Road and the Central Maine chapter of the New England Mountain Bike Association have partnered to design nearly six miles of new single track, with trail construction slated to begin this summer. While designed for mountain biking, these trails will also be for hikers and runners.

A new hand-carry boat launch on Messalonskee Stream will allow easy water access for kayakers, canoeists and rowers. The boat launch was a long-time dream of Susan Childs, MD, a Friends of Quarry Road board member who passed away in November. It will be funded in part by donations made in her memory.

Other summer projects include improvements to the Welcome Center Yurt, extended lighting for night skiing, upgrades to roads and parking areas, improved security, and additional trail enhancements.

These additions are part of a multi-year, cooperative effort between the City of Waterville and the non-profit Friends of Quarry Road to develop the popular trail center into a world-class, four-season recreation area.

Much of the current work is being funded by a $285,000 grant from the Harold Alfond Foundation, and more than $200,000 in donations from individual community members, businesses and other foundations.

In addition to the Harold Alfond Foundation, major supporters for this phase of the Quarry Road project include Colby College, the Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund, Inland Hospital, MaineGeneral Health, the Davis Foundation, Doug Cutchin, Central Maine Motors, and the federal Recreational Trails Program.

This summer’s roadway and security enhancements will allow for improved year-round access to the interior of the property. In the past the entry road has been gated near the entry to the area during the summer. When improvements are completed later this year, users will be able to park closer to the Welcome Center Yurt, gaining easy access to the new boat launch and the trails on the northern section of the property.

For more information, visit www.quarryroad.org.