Neglected Trailhead

The Morgan Lake Trailhead rest area is complete with three comfortable park benches, two picnic tables, a bike rack and a kiosk stocked with Dutchess Rail Trail brochures. Its new, well-maintained appearance sharply contrasts from how Morgan Lake Park looks in several areas. The benches and picnic table in the partially fenced in area opposite the seasonal public restroom are still intact, but certainly have seen better days. The wood is splintered and covered with graffiti carvings. Fallen trees and tree limbs are also in the area by the benches. With Morgan Lake as a trailhead for the Rail Trail, its period of neglect must come to an end. I have witnessed Rail Trail users stop at the rest area, view Morgan Lake from a safe, comfortable distance and immediately get back on the Trail. The sight of fallen trees and tree limbs, rundown benches and picnic tables, and litter does little to entice Rail Trail users to spend time in the park they enter when reaching the trailhead.