Photo: adamkaz / E+ / Getty Images
The City of Middletown has officially opened "The LYne," a new two-and-a-half-mile nature trail, just in time for warmer weather. The trail, which stretches from Van Duzer Road to County Route 78, was unveiled with a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Mayor Joseph DeStefano on Saturday (May 17).
The project began as a simple idea in early 2024 when local resident Ryan Yasika proposed creating a connecting trail. With support from Deputy Commissioner of Parks John Bianchi and the Middletown Common Council, the project quickly gained momentum. The council approved the project on June 4, 2024, paving the way for its development.
The trail was built with sustainability and user experience in mind, avoiding erosion-prone areas and incorporating features like a historic stone wall. It was constructed almost entirely by volunteers, including Yasika and Bianchi, who surveyed the land and mapped out the trail. The first mile of the trail was especially challenging, requiring extensive manual labor to clear dense forest and rugged terrain.
Mayor DeStefano emphasized the importance of the project during the ribbon-cutting ceremony, calling it a "legacy project" that reflects the city's commitment to enhancing outdoor recreation and preserving natural spaces. "This trail system is a legacy project — one built with sweat equity, civic pride, and a belief in our city’s future," he said. "Middletown is proud of what we’ve built here."
The LYne not only provides a new recreational asset for the community but also serves as a symbol of successful public-private collaboration and community involvement.