A proposed new trail at Point Gratiot Park got approved by the Dunkirk Common Council Tuesday night.

Revitalize Dunkirk plans a nature trail in the large wooded area near the north pavilion and the park exit by the Dunkirk Lighthouse.

Patrick Lyons of Revitalize Dunkirk spoke about the proposed trail before council unanimously approved it.

He said local educators proposed the project in June to the council’s Economic Development Committee. “Members of the committee suggested that this group partner with Revitalize Dunkirk and this seemed like good advice, because we have 501(c)3 status and we have an organizational structure that gets things done.”

The plan “is to build a child-centered nature trail with three activity stations,” Lyons continued. “Our inspiration for this trail is a similar trail built at Letchworth State Park, but on a much smaller scale than this one (will be).”

The resolution approved Tuesday gives Revitalize Dunkirk authorization to lay out and flag the trail and the three centers. “We will hire professional trail builders, Trail Construction Associates LLC of Forestville,” Lyons said. “No equipment will be used in this layout procedure. Our volunteers will be with the professionals during this process.”

He added, “Revitalize Dunkirk has paid for a survey of that area so we know exactly where the city owned property is and we know where the state property is, because we don’t want a trail that gets too close to either.”

The group has an ad hoc committee, chaired by Marybeth Muldowney, focused on the trail.

Councilperson Nancy Nichols later asked Lyons who would maintain the trail. Lyons said Revitalize Dunkirk would.

“We’re very short-staffed as it is with our parks guys, and I want (their maintenance work on the trail) limited,” Nichols said.

Lyons said it would be “at least a year, maybe more” before the trail is completed.