EVELETH — A half-mile community pedestrian and bike trail that surrounds Fayal Pond in Eveleth is being reconstructed and widened from six to eight feet. The trail is in a highly visible location at one of the city’s main entry points along the major thoroughfare of Highway 53.
The trail improvements will span three phases. Phase I has been completed and included the renovation of the east portion which is 500 feet. The east path was relocated to higher ground due to its location near the water’s edge which over time resulted in flooding from water run-off after periods of rainfall. Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation supported Phase I with a $21,378 Regional Trails grant. Total project investment was $58,076.
Fayal Pond Trail is connected to hundreds of miles of the region’s trails, including the paved Mesabi Trail. It is widely used by both residents and tourists. The park surrounding Fayal Pond includes benches and flower beds, and the pond itself has a fountain and floating pedestrian bridge.
“The improvements will provide users with a smooth solid surface for walking or biking,” said Jerry Rosati, Eveleth Public Works manager. “The Fayal Pond area is used year-round and is a natural stopping point along the highway for cars and travelers. It is an important amenity to our city that impacts quality of life and the economy.”
Phases II and III will begin this summer and include improvements to the west, north and south portions which are deteriorating. Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation is supporting Phase II with a $43,775 Regional Trails grant. Phase II total
