SACO — The first phase of a new trail system at Cascade Falls is complete.

In 2008, as part of a contract zone agreement, Developer Elliott Chamberlain gave the city about 17 acres off Cascade Road that includes the Cascade waterfall. Chamberlain also cleared out a parking lot on Cascade Road and agreed to give $50,000 to the city for development of the park.

Local non-profit Saco Bay Trails and the city’s Parks and Recreation Department have been working together to develop a trail system on the property.

On Tuesday afternoon, officials gathered at the site to dedicate the first leg of the trail system, Trout Pond Loop, a quarter-mile loop that begins and ends at the parking lot.

Trout Pond Loop is wide, with a smooth surface and created with accessibility in mind. It will connect in the future to a wheelchair accessible viewing platform that overlooks the falls, said Saco Parks and Recreation Director Joe Hirsch. Hirsch said due to the steep slope down to the falls, a handicapped accessible trail to the falls would not be feasible.

“I think it’s awesome,” said Saco Bay Trails President Elaine Vadeboncoeur. “I think it’s just great.”

The trail’s surface makes it easy for elderly walkers and those with young children, said Saco Bay Trails President Elaine Vadeboncoeur. She said she can walk on the trail in her sandals, and her 77-year-old mother can also enjoy the trail. The trail is not fully compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act because of the grade of the slope in one area, she said, adding that she hopes, over time, work could be done to change the grading or an alternate trail will be created to bypass the section.

When complete, the Cascade Falls trail system will feature about one mile of trails, including a trail that will lead down to the falls area.

Participants in a program for teens involved in the criminal justice system through social service agency Learning Works have been cleaning trash off the trails every week. The teens will continue every other week until winter, said Bekah McIntyre, intern with Learning Works. She said the project has given the teens a chance to connect with nature and gives them a sense of responsibility.

Saco Mayor Roland Michaud thanked those who worked to make the trail happen as well as Chamberlain for his contributions to the city.

These sorts of projects take a lot of “work, effort and tenacity,” he said. Through their efforts, those who worked on the project will leave the world a better place and have something tangible to show for their efforts.

“That’s pretty darn impressive,” said Michaud.

Hirsch said he hopes to have the trails completed by summer 2013. Viewing platforms will be completed at a later date.

— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 282-1535, Ext. 325 or egotthelf@journaltribune.com.