As we work our way westward, removing ties, plates, spikes, and rails, we are collecting materials that could one day be part of an art installation on the MRG. Here are spikes collected by volunteers on the “Day of Caring”, September 11. (Thanks to Russel Hirschler for the photo)
What might they become? A few examples of spike art:
“Ridin’ the Rails to Rockland,” a sphere sculpture consisting of railroad spikes -Rockland, Maine
“Spike” – Bear welded from 575 rusty, used, bent railroad spikes
“Iron Horse” (steam locomotives were once called “iron horses”)
There are, however, a few projects to be accomplished before installing art on the trail . . . Next steps, planned for this Fall, are completion of the downtown bridge over the Mascoma River (behind Goss-Logan Insurance) and installation of safety rails on the bridge over I-89. The good news is that Paul Coats has discovered a technique for safely removing the lead paint so rails can be installed. Other good news is that on Tuesday, October 20, at 6:30 at the Senior Center, there will be a public meeting to plan a new vision for downtown Lebanon. How will the Northern Rail Trail link to the MRG? We are hoping that link will be part of the vision. Will you be there? http://www.lebnh.net/news/downtownvision-oct20publicmeeting
The Mascoma River Greenway 
Ridin’ the Rails to Rockland, along the Rockland Harbor Trail was created by Jay Sawyer, aka JBONE. Check out StudioJBONE.com.
“Ridin’ the Rails to Rockland” is a wonderful sculpture and it’s great to know a bit more of its origins. (Your “Sunrise at Woolen Mill Park” is also quite wonderful! http://www.studiojbone.com/public-art/)