A woman who lives near part of the Seaboard Coastline Trail said at Wednesday’s City Council meeting there is a “180-degree difference” after city workers made some improvements.

The unimproved portion of the trail near Erin Read’s home was littered with trash, including furniture and large chemical buckets, and frequently used by passenger vehicles and four-wheelers, even though no motorized vehicles are allowed on the trail.

Read reported the problems during the May 4 City Council meeting. At this week’s meeting, she was back to thank the city for its action.

“Last weekend, we enjoyed our first off-road-vehicle-free weekend,” she said. “It has been absolutely peaceful and wonderful.”

The city put up barriers at both ends of the trail between Suburban Drive and Mill Lake Road, Read said. It also put up a barrier on Prospect Road, which leads partway to the middle of the trail.

Read said the city also hauled away the trash and put up signs warning against dumping and trespassing. Police officers also are patrolling the trail on foot each evening, Read said.

The portion of the trail near Read’s home ultimately will be paved and connect with the paved portion near Driver.