Biking group gets grants for trail upkeep

When then-Gov. David Paterson was threatening to close some state parks last year to reduce the budget shortfall, a user group, Concerned Long Island Mountain Bicyclists, agreed to take over maintenance of Trail View State Park.

That effort to protect the 8-mile linear park that runs through Woodbury, Plainview and Bethpage has just gotten a boost from two grants from retailers, CLIMB president Michael Vitti said.

REI, the national sporting goods chain that is opening a store in Carle Place Friday, donated $10,000 and Brands Cycle & Fitness in Wantagh donated $2,000. The money will be used for tools and supplies, Vitti said.

The group held its first maintenance day at the park April 30 and picked up 30 cubic yards of trash, Vitti said.

The next cleanup is scheduled for June 5. Those interested in volunteering can get more information at the group's website.