Members of Leadership Macon 2016 announced that the group has committed to fulfill its community service project by partnering with local agencies to complete a two-mile stretch of the Ocmulgee Heritage Trail from Amerson River Park to Riverside Cemetery, including construction of one major bridge over a significant gully and several smaller foot bridges. Each year, the Leadership Macon class is required to select and carry out a community service project which will leave a lasting impact on the community while developing leadership skills to carry on long after their year in the program ends. Class members in 2016 will Bridge the Trail by providing volunteer labor in cutting its path through existing woods, building the smaller bridges, raising funds to cover hard costs associated with beautifying the trail and the construction, delivery, and installation of the major bridge. Cost of the project is expected to be $95,000.

Bridging the Trail partner organizations include Amerson River Park, the Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce, Macon-Bibb County, Macon-Bibb County Parks and Beautification, the Macon Water Authority, and NewTown Macon. Riverside Cemetery & Conservancy and the Ocmulgee Heritage Trail will also be involved in the project.

Leadership Macon class members selected this project for its value to both residents and visitors in promoting connectivity, outdoor education and health and wellness, providing the opportunity to bike, walk, run and enjoy the trail's entire 13 mile length with the completion of this section by November, 2016.

Work clearing the trail has begun and a rigorous fund raising campaign is underway. The connecting walkway will be built by a company specializing in pedestrian bridges alongside local contractors for installation. Retired Macon-Bibb County Engineer Bill Causey is assisting with engineering needs on the project.  Community support is encouraged and welcome in the form of financial donations and grants, as well as volunteer labor on work days, which will be publicized through local news calendar listings and via social media platforms.

NewTown Macon, a 501(c)(3) non-profit agency, has agreed to serve as the fiscal manager for the project. Tax-deductible do- nations may be made by check, payable to NewTown Macon with Leadership Macon 2016 in the memo or online at http:// www.newtownmacon.com/powering-newtown/donate-to-newtown-macon/, selecting the Leadership Macon 2016 fund.

To get involved, make a donation or claim naming rights to the bridge or other opportunities, visit www.bridgingthetrail.com. To keep up with Leadership Macon 2016's progress and watch for volunteer opportunities, like Bridging the Trail on Facebook or follow LeadershipMacon 2016 on Twitter.

Members of Leadership Macon 2016 include: Mindy Attaway, Frank Austin, Samuel Baggarly, Adam Bailey, Patrick Barry, David Biek, Taylor Broun, David Bury, Afrika Bush, Amanda Carls, James Davis, Lee Discher, Shannon Fields, Nathan Garnto, Kristy Graham, Cami Hamlin, Mary Beth Hand, Bill Harrop, Janita Hickenbotham, Waldron Hiley, Betsy Holcomb, Kelly Holloway, Morgan Jarvis, Quentin Jude, Lauren Kritsas, Jody Long, Edward Lowe, Rhonda Lowe, Amanda Marsh, Shannon McGhee, Vicki Mills, Shannon Piland, Thomas Reichert, Melinda Sams, Jay Siegelman, Peter Solomon, Natalie Stroud, Ruth Sykes, Suzan Watkins, and D'Artrich Wright.