By Sharron Luttrell
Residents are encouraged to weigh in on a proposed recreational path through the southeast corner of town that would link trails to the north and to the south to create a continuous greenway through the region.
The proposed Charles Headwaters Greenway would link the Upper Charles Trail in Milford to the Southern New England Trunk Trail in Blackstone and run through Bellingham, Mendon and Blackstone.
The trail would become part of the East Coast Greenway, a trail network that spans 3,000 miles between Maine and Florida.
“We’re really excited about this project,” said Nathan Lewis, associate transportation planner and public outreach coordinator for the Central Mass Regional Planning Commission.
Lewis will present the plan Wednesday at the Taft Public Library. The session will be aimed at “understanding local needs, identifying potential trail routes and alternatives, and developing a vision for a greenway that supports recreation, conservation and community well-being,” according to the Charles Headwaters Greenway Feasibility Study website.
The CMRPC and the Metropolitan Area Planning Council secured MassTrails funding last February for a feasibility study. Since then, they’ve been working with volunteers and municipal staff to identify potential trail segments through the three towns.
In the current phase of the study, the planners are presenting the proposed trail segments to residents and gathering their input. They’re also encouraging people to complete a survey, in which they can select from alternative trail routes through the three towns. The survey closes at the end of the month.
“It’s important to make sure the public knows about these things. Especially anyone who is an abutter,” Lewis said. “Also, to get local knowledge. Maybe there’s something we’re not seeing, or that we’re missing.”
The study phase of the project is expected to wrap up in June of 2027, at which point the organizations hope to begin the design phase.
The Charles Headwater Greenway community conversation will be at the Taft Public Library, Wednesday, Oct. 21 at 6 p.m. A virtual option to attend is available through https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87085728471.
Top of page: A map showing the location of the proposed trail in Mendon.
