Sit a Spell
Get off your feet — or seat — at the new Allan and Edie Segree Rest Area behind the Broadneck Library on the Broadneck Trail. The 1.2-mile Broadneck Trail, running parallel to busy College Parkway, is a favorite path for bicyclists, joggers and walkers. Opened in 2013, it will connect with the B&A Trail eventually.
As well as a welcoming bench, the Segree Rest Area includes a picnic table, bike rack plus a water fountain for people and a hose for a pet dish, all on pavers and landscaping.
It’s there because Arnold neighbor Ed Parker loves a library.
“My local library in Northfield, Mass., was an important part of my life, and I got there safely by bicycle,” Parker said.
“After the [Broadneck] library opened in 1983, I noted it was not safe for people under 16 to walk or bicycle along College Parkway. Someone must take you in a car,” Parker said at the Segree Rest Area dedication.
Parker, a retired engineer, is on the board of both the Friends of Anne Arundel Trails and the Anne Arundel Library Foundation.
“I don’t drive much,” he told Bay Weekly. “What most people spend on maintaining their cars, I give to charity.”
Parker dedicated this rest area to the Segrees in recognition of their community work. He worked with both in community projects and with Allen, who died in 2006, at Westinghouse.
“I was floored,” said Edie Segree, who shared the dedication with two dozen family members and another 50 trail supporters.
Just as pleased was Parker.
“I rank that dedication up with the joy I had at getting married and two children being born,” he said. “It’s a wonderful feeling to do something nice that other people can appreciate.”
The area was designed by Elizabeth Wyble, outgoing president of the Trail Friends. Flowers and shrubs will be maintained by the Cape St. Claire Garden Club.