ROCKLAND — It was a monumental step for Rockland's Harbor Trail Committee on the morning of Jan. 19, when a 60-foot bridge linking the Rockland Ferry Terminal and Thorndike parking lot was lowered into place. The bridge spans Lindsey Brook and private property. Committee Chair Louise MacLellan-Ruf said an important part of the project was getting permission for an easement across those properties.

Also central to the project was a gift of $101,000 from an anonymous donor for construction of the prefabricated bridge.

"The donors are very excited, not just about the Rockland Harbor Trail, but about Rockland, and they believe that their donation is going to spark other people to see what they can do for their city,” said MacLellan-Ruf.

The donation is the largest the city has ever received. MacLellan-Ruf described the event as, "exciting and huge."

As it sits now, the bridge is a framework of steel and wood. There is a lot of finishing work to be done in time for the dedication.

"There will be an official ribbon cutting on Jan. 29," she said. "We want to invite the entire community to be part of that occasion."

Rockland began work on its Harbor Trail in the 1990s. MacLellan-Ruf said they have been working on it foot-by-foot.

"This is another piece that opens up to the harbor," she said. "Our dream is to continue to make the harbor the focal point that draws people here and [provides] access for the community.

Ultimately, committee members hope the trail will stretch from Snow Marine Park to the Rockland Breakwater.