By SAVANNAH BARR

s.barr@bradfordera.com

Outdoor enthusiasts, get excited! The new Marilla Trails Landing Trailhead is finished and ready for action.

To celebrate, the Tuna Valley Trail Association (TVTA) will host a variety of activities Saturday at the landing located across Route 346 across from Marilla Reservoir, along the access road to Luther Reservoir. Events will include a kids’ fishing tournament, guided trail hike and ribbon cutting ceremony.

The fun begins with the kids fishing tournament slated for 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. It is sponsored by Rocky Ridge Trading Co. and Willow Creek Sportsman’s Club. The first place winner will receive a $100 certificate from Sportsman’s Outlet.

Second place will get a $75 certificate and third place will be awarded a $50 certificate.

The guided trail hike will begin at 10 a.m.

Participants should meet at the new pavilion.

The ribbon cutting will be held at noon.

Attendees will be able to enjoy refreshments and live music from Connor Brian from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The TVTA has been working for several years to secure the financing needed for the construction of the pavilion, parking lot and overlook area.

‘We have been working on this project since 2017 trying to secure the funding we needed,’ said Sara Andrews of TVTA.

The construction, which cost $508,047, was finally completed in November. It was funded through grants and private donors.

It includes a 40-foot by 65-foot pavilion with a restroom facility. In addition, those visiting the Marilla trail system

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y – v _____________ ___ or Marilla Reservoir will finally have a convenient location to park their cars with a new 40-vehicle parking lot.

“That area is one of the most highly trafficked trail areas in the county,” said Andrews.

“Not only for trail users but recreational people who like to fish, kayak and canoe on the beautiful Marilla Reservoir.”

There are more than 20 miles of trails in the reservoir area for people to enjoy. Having a public bathroom, overlook, parking lot and pavilion will help enhance the experience, Andrews pointed out.

“Parking was kind of lacking out there before and there was nowhere to find a restroom,” she said.

The new pavilion is also expected to become a revenue source for TVTA.

“We are going to be renting out the pavilion for community events starting in June,” said Andrews. “It is a great location — it would be beautiful for a wedding.”

All proceeds from event rentals will be used to support the development of additional trails and the maintenance of more than 38 miles of existing trails in the TVTA system.

Those seeking to rent the pavilion can contact Al Vanderpoel at alvpoel@ gmail.com.