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Inside
ALSO
Find out about similar
projects in other communities.
Many thanks to our sponsors,
whose generous donations of land, grant
funding, and volunteer time made this rail
trail to bike path conversion project possible.
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Proposal
Source: Based
in part on the Metropolitan Area Planning Council’s "The
Upper Charles Trail Feasibility Study", issued June 1997.
Overview
of the Proposed Upper Charles Trail Project
 The
Upper Charles Trail is designed to be a loop
trailof approximately 20 miles that would connect the towns of Sherborn,
Holliston, Milford, Hopkinton and Ashland. It would primarily be an off-road
path separated from traffic. It would be designed and built to accommodate
a variety of non-motorized uses such as bicycling, walking, cross-country
skiing, and skating. On an average weekend day the fully built trail would
serve an estimated 2,500 users. The trail is also intended to provide
direct connections with the Bay Circuit Trail and possibly serve in part
as a new section this network.
 The
project draws on the successful models established by the Cape
Cod and Minuteman
rail trails, and the feasibility study conducted
by the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC). Development efforts
are underway in surrounding
communities, including Milford, Ashland, and Sherborn.
What
Are The Benefits?
- 90% state/federal government funded
- Unlimited lifetime membership in Holliston's
own outdoor health club
- Provides a safe place for family recreation
- Benefits all age groups, young and old
- Increases our quality of life
- Increases real estate values
- Creates opportunities for local businesses
- Promotes Holliston as a desirable community
- Provides links to open space recreation
areas and conservation lands
Who's
Behind It?
Community leaders at the state and local
level have declared their support for the Upper Charles Trail project.
Send us your support letter telling us how much you want a trail instead of a barren rail bed. We will be sending another batch to the statehouse very soon! Copies of letters and documentation are available for viewing by contacting
the Holliston Trails Committee.
What
Are Other Towns Doing?
Besides Holliston, residents and community
leaders in Sherborn, Framingham, Ashland, Hopkinton and Milford are organizing
similar efforts to acquire and develop their respective portions of the
Upper Charles Trail. Here's a snapshot of what's happening in each
of these communities.
| Milford |
The Milford Phase One section from the center of Milford to an area north of Route 495 and 85 has been completed. It is a great preview of what our trail is going to look like soon! Visit Milford's Upper Charles Trail website to see the latest developments. The friends of the Milford Upper Charles Trail meet regularly at the Senior Center on North Bow Street in Milford. Check out their website to find out when the next one is.
Milford's Phase 2 section is a 3.1-mile extension of the Phase 1 section
connecting the trail to Hopkinton to the north and to Holliston's
trail to the east. These sections are anticipated to be constructed in 2010. |
| Sherborn |
Sherborn's
portion of the Upper Charles Trail is owned by CSX, the town is currently
negotiating purchase of a portion of the abandoned rail bed. |
| Ashland |
Ashland
is interested in pursuing the construction of a trail, and is in the
process of setting up a committee. A portion of the railbed
in Ashland has already been sold off and developed into housing lots. Ashland
is investigating alternate trail routes to bypass these areas. |
| Framingham |
Framingham's
portion of the Upper Charles Trail is owned by CSX and is currently
being utilized. As a result, Framingham has begun investigating the possibility of
a trail in the Lake Cochituate area. |
| Hopkinton |
A group in Hopkinton has begun work to map out the properties and rights-of-way that are available to them. A small section of the trail is open in an area near the High School complex. |
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