Champlain Area Trails (CATS) and Essex Initiatives have completed construction of the new informational kiosk in the heart of Essex.

The kiosk, located behind the Essex Town Hall right by the sidewalk, highlights outdoor recreation opportunities in and around Essex and points visitors and residents alike to local businesses and community activities. It’s visible to visitors traveling through Essex, especially those arriving by ferry.

Funded by a grant from the Essex Community Fund, designed by Mark Hall, and built by Jay White, Jonathan Pribble, and Brian Crownshield, the Essex kiosk honors the memory of Baird Voorhis with a commemorative plaque. Voorhis was a part-time resident of Essex and early supporter of CATS. Many others in the community helped including Donna Sonnett, Emily Gardner, and Ken Hughes.

Champlain Area Trails (CATS) is a nonprofit organization that creates and maintains hiking and cross-country ski trails in the Champlain Valley, with the goal of linking communities, connecting people with nature promoting economic vitality, and protecting natural areas, farmland, clean water, and scenic vistas. For more information on CATS programs, visit their website or call the CATS office at (518) 962-2287.

Photo: The new kiosk in Essex and some of those who worked on the project, from left, Ken Hughes, Donna Sonnett, Susie Smith, Chris Maron, courtesy CATS.