Lawrence Hopewell Trail Honors Co-Founders

Becky Taylor and Eleanor Horne Celebrated

Lawrence Hopewell Trail Corporation celebrated co-founders Becky Taylor and Eleanor Horne for more than two decades of service to the Hopewell and Lawrence Township communities and to Mercer County. Dozens of friends, colleagues and associates joined in toasts, official proclamations, and song to honor Taylor and Horne on February 8th.

The Lawrence Hopewell Trail (LHT), a multi-use pedestrian and bike trail, includes linked segments forming a 22-mile loop connecting Hopewell Township and Lawrence Township. The LHT was developed with the support of over two dozen public, private, and non-profit organizations, connecting corporate campuses, public parks, and municipal centers. Thousands of people use the LHT yearly, including marquee events like the Full Moon Ride and Trails and Treat.

The LHT was created by Taylor and Horne. They served as Co-Presidents of the Lawrence Hopewell Trail Corporation for over 20 years and retired at the end of 2022. Taylor and Horne built a wide-ranging coalition of support, converting a vision into the reality of a treasured community asset.

In toasting Horne, LHT Treasurer Alan Hershey noted how she brings order and civility to every situation. Next, LHT Board Chair David Sandahl toasted Taylor, recalling how Becky Taylor’s “really good idea,” the LHT, has prevailed.

Lawrence Township Council Members Mike Powers and Chris Bobbitt presented the municipality’s official proclamation, lauding Taylor and Horne. Powers indicated that when he was first Lawrence Mayor, Horne brought him on board with the idea of the LHT. Hopewell Township Committee Members Kevin Kuchinski and Uma Purandare presented their town’s official proclamation, Kuchinski noting that “the Lawrence Hopewell Trail is something that brings us all together.”

LHT Board Member and former Lawrence Historian Dennis Waters announced plans to place two benches on the LHT route with plaques honoring two co- founders. Waters then displayed a mock-up of an interpretive sign, like those already  placed on the Trail. He noted that the LHT will design and place a historic marker depicting the central role played by its co-founders in creating the LHT.

The evening ended in song, with guests singing the Roy Rogers classic “Happy Trails to You,” accompanied by LHT Board Vice-Chair John Murray on guitar.