The Norwood Trails Advisory Committee discussed pursuing a state MassTrails grant to fund trail wayfinding and kiosks and reviewed a volunteer Eagle Scout kiosk project that would add three information kiosks at town trailheads.

Committee members said MassTrails — described in the meeting as "a division of the state" under the Department of Conservation and Recreation and related state offices — provides matching grants and technical assistance for off‑road shared-use pathways. According to the committee, the application window typically opens in November and the program has a Feb. 1 application deadline.

"MassTrails ... seeks to expand and connect the Commonwealth's networks of off road shared use pathways and recreational trails for all users across Massachusetts," committee member Brian Palmetir read from the MassTrails program description during the meeting. Members said the program funded roughly 50 trail projects statewide in the previous award cycle and that the Healey‑Driscoll administration announced $7,500,000 in MassTrails awards on Oct. 7, 2025.

Committee members said the planned application would focus on wayfinding elements — signs, markers and kiosks — and that the town must collect landowner signatures for any markers sited on land not owned solely by the town. Members discussed working with the town's community development office for grant-writing support and noted that the library previously offered a grant-writing workshop.

A separate but related topic at the meeting was an Eagle Scout proposal from a local scout, Yash, to build three kiosks with local fundraising and sponsorship support. The scout had surveyed three sites (Meadow Street trailhead, Father Max park near the playground and Ellis Field) and provided two placement options at each site. Committee members discussed pros and cons of placing kiosks inside gated trailheads versus outside for visibility, with several members expressing concern about vandalism if kiosks were placed outside the gate.

Members said Yash already has a funding commitment from Clay Subaru for at least one kiosk and that the kiosk design referenced standard 4‑foot plexiglass lengths and a frame that may accommodate that material. The committee asked that Yash check site clearances with relevant town staff and utilities (for example, to ensure a kiosk would not block access to an electrical box) before construction.

Committee members positioned the grant application as a multi-actor task that would require: finalized site locations with landowner approvals, a project narrative, a budget and letter(s) of support. They asked volunteers to reconfirm wayfinding decisions and to assemble documentation so the town can submit a complete application by the established deadline.