New lookout coming to Adams Pond
By Mark Squibb/September 30, 2022
The Town of Paradise is looking to build upon the Adams Pond trail.
Last week, council approved construction of a new lookout and outdoor classroom.
“The Town contracted the services of a landscape architect to design and provide construction drawings for a lookout above Adams Pond and an outdoor classroom at the edge of the existing Adam’s Pond Trail,” explained councillor Deborah Quilty. “The lookout provides residents with a space to look out over Adams Pond and will also include loungers for trail users to rest and take in the scenery of the pond. The outdoor classroom will provide space for education sessions and additional space on the trail for users to rest and take in their surroundings.”
The Grand Concourse Authority provided the Town an estimate of $81,096 to construct the lookout and classroom, and council awarded the contract to the group in agreement with the terms of the town’s membership in the Authority.
“These amenities are going to be a good addition to the Adams Pond area, for sure,” said councillor Glenn Carew. “That trail lookout is going to be very well received by trail users there and the outdoor classroom is referred to as a classroom but really can be utilized by anyone, the arts community, Guides, Scouts, church groups, etcetera.”
He then asked for a project completion date, and Quilty said she was not sure yet as the Town had only just awarded the tender, but that a date would likely be forthcoming in the coming weeks.
Councillors Patrick Matin, Elizabeth Laurie, and Mayor Dan Bobbett, echoed Carew’s sentiments.
“I’m looking forward to these added features,” said Martin. “It’s going to look awesome once it gets done.”
Back in June 2021, the Town hired Mills & Wright Landscape Architecture to identify new programs and amenities for the trail. Public consultations took place that September.
An outdoor classroom and a place to take in the view were amongst the most requested amenities.
At the time, Mills & Wright provided a cost estimate of $99,843 for the outdoor classroom, lookout site, and site furniture.
The 2022 Budget included $100,000 for the amenities.