The thunder was rolling above and the rainclouds were fast approaching this morning as volunteers from the Shoreline Greenway Trail and state officials, including Commissioner Dan Estes of the Department of Energy and the Environment (DEEP), celebated the opening of the Hammonasset Walkway.

The walkway, located at the entrance of Hammnonasset State Park, marks the very beginning of the trail, which, when completed, will cover 25 miles along the shoreline from Hammonasset in Madison to Lighthouse Point in New Haven. Once completed, the trail will connect with the east coast trail that runs from New Haven to Massachusetts.

In a ceremony abbreviated by the approaching weather, the volunteers and the personnel from DEEP both spent time thanking the other for their work and guidance. The walkway of 10 feet wide and spanes 72 feet of marsh. The total length is 220 feet including ramps to make it accessible for wheelchairs and people with limited mobility.

Madison's Acting First Selectman Joseph MacDougald greeted the crowd. "From my years in public service I have learned that towns like ours run on volunteers. Projects like this walkway and this trail also are accomplished through the efforts of volunteers."

Estes described the trail as built for "walkers, hikers, cyclists, joggers, birders, strollers, seniors" and added, "It is important for everyone to see and enjoy these first few feet of the trail, so that they then can see share the vision of what id to come.

Other sections of the trail have been developed by volunteers in the individual towns -- Madison, Guilford, Branford, East and New Haven. The Shoreline Greenwat Taril is a non-profit organization. Hundreds of volunteers have worked on sections of the trail. It is open to the public for walking, cycling and skiing.