Rail Trail Committee Rejoices

by Bill Tobin 1/11/12

The Holliston Rail Trail Committee has reason to celebrate at their January 11th meeting.

After deailing with CSX for 13 years and 5 months, the Town now owns or leases most of the Holliiston Upper Charles Rail Trail right of way.

Members of the Rail Trail Committee celebrated the passing of title of the rail bed from CSX to the Town of Holliston on January 10, 2012, after thirteen years and five months of negotiation.

Members of the Rail Trail committee shared a celebratory toast with sparkiling cider commemorating  the occasion. l-R Marc Connelly,Melissa Halstead, Bob Weidknecht, Herb Brockett, Ken Henderson and Nik Parrish.  The town now owns or leases 6.3 miles of the 6.7 trail miles of the railbed from the Sherborn border, through Holliston to the Milford town line. The remaining .4 miles will be obtained later this year from a private owner.

The town leases the railbed from CSX from the Sherborn border to Church Street. The railbed from Church Street to Cross Street is owned by the town.  The rail trail from Cross Street to Hopping Brook Road is leased from CSX. From Hopping Brook Road to South Street is also owned by the town. The stretch of rail bed from South Street to the Milford town line will be donated to the town thanks to the present owner of the land.  The section of the trail between Hopping Brook and South Street has a gravel surface that was installed last fall and will be improved with a finer stone dust surface in the spring.  This was constructed by volunteer help and equipment and purchased materials.

Now that the town has authority over the trail, progess will be made in drainage and surface improvements to support the goal of providing a multi-use accessible rail trail for users of all ages and abilities.

Three members of the current committee of eight have served on the committee since its inception over thirteen years ago. Thank you Herb Brockett, Bob Weidknecht and Matt Varrell.  The other five members of the present committee are Ken Henderson,Marc Connelly, Nik Parrish, Martha Ellis and Melissa Halstead.

The trail belongs to Holliston residents.  Enjoy this valuable amenity. If you see litter and trash on the trail, please respect the trail and remove it. Monthly cleanups are scheduled by the committee and many hands make light work. Help is always appreciated.

The next cleanup is on Saturday January 28, 9 am   at Trail at Hopping Brook Road. Goal is to remove leaves, branches, etc between newly installed gravel and silt fences to allow for installation of stone dust. Bring leaf rakes and gloves. 

Posted in Local Lore, Neighborhood.

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