Southborough committee lays out Phase 1 signage plan for Peninsula Trail; seeks MWRA, DCR and Nipmuc input

The Southborough Trails Committee on Sept. 25 agreed on a Phase 1 signage framework for the Peninsula Trail and set steps for permissions, design and text review. Committee member Kat McKee outlined a proposal that includes two kiosks (near the Route 30/Central Street trailhead and near the boardwalk/roadside entry), four larger interpretive pedestal signs along the trail, and several smaller single-post signs to note features such as the double-arch bridge and East Main Street/schoolhouse sites. McKee said the committee’s initial budget for signage production was “under $15,000,” with installation and any overages to be covered by remaining grant funds and Community Preservation Act (CPA) monies. The nut graf: The committee prioritized accessibility, historical interpretation and watershed/wetlands education, and directed staff and members to seek approvals from property managers and subject-matter stakeholders before final text is locked for production. Members discussed content priorities and placement. The kiosk at the West terminus (Route 30/Central Street) will emphasize accessibility — the committee described this as the trail’s first accessible section in Southborough — include a map and a rotating notice area for events, and provide regulatory information (permitted and restricted uses). Committee members also proposed QR codes and possible audio/tactile elements to expand accessibility and provide extended content online. Interpretive themes the committee identified for the pedestal signs include: (1) history — indigenous presence, settlement, land acquisition and dam construction; (2) wetlands, watershed management and wildlife; and (3) forest management and recreational use, including a brief note on hunting as a population-control tool if appropriate for context. The committee noted the Burrows Loop, Aqueduct Trail and Bay Circuit Trail intersections should be mentioned for wayfinding. Committee members agreed smaller single-post signs would mark the double-arch bridge, a historic East Main Street/schoolhouse footprint, and other localized points. The committee said it will acknowledge funding sources on signage (CPA and the MassTrails grant) and include a brief statement about ownership/permission (Massachusetts Water Resources Authority property; Department of Conservation and Recreation involvement was also mentioned). McKee asked volunteers to avoid detailed infrastructure disclosures in public panels for security reasons and said the group will seek guidance from MWRA and DCR on acceptable content near reservoirs and pumped infrastructure. McKee also said the committee will contact a Nipmuc council to verify and, if desired by the council, incorporate indigenous history text. After the meeting, committee members planned next steps: McKee will circulate proposed text to the committee and meet with graphic designers to confirm word-count limits; the group will request a site walk or photos for MWRA/DCR review prior to installation; and the committee expects to return a refined text for sign production at the next meeting.