The Town of Southborough Trails Committee confirmed plans for volunteer work parties, bench installation and onsite storage work, and raised maintenance concerns about sections of trail that have not been mowed.

Bench installation: Committee members said they have permission from MWA and the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) to place an ADA bench on the Peninsula Trail. A volunteer will transport and install the bench on Friday evening (time to be coordinated by volunteers) with anchors to fasten the bench into the ground. The committee agreed Saturday’s work party will focus on moving wood into the recently opened shed so lawn and vegetation can recover.

Volunteer logistics: Committee members discussed meeting times, transportation and required tools (for example, a drill and auger bits to fasten bench anchors). Members said they will coordinate times by group text and that the bench placement will be done on Friday to avoid lengthy Saturday work. One member volunteered to provide vehicle capacity to move one bench.

Trail maintenance: Members reported that the Ward Road section has not been mowed in months and discussed asking contractor J & J for a record of recent mowing dates. Committee members noted the other side of the reservoir is driveable and therefore appears better maintained; they discussed human-use differences but did not assign direct responsibility for mowing.

Other considerations: The committee noted DCR’s preference to avoid placing benches immediately visible from the road so benches are less likely to be used for sleeping. Members also reviewed steps for anchoring benches and the possibility of needing to auger into compacted or rocky ground.

Next steps: Committee members will coordinate volunteer times, bring the necessary tools and materials for anchoring the bench, and request mowing dates from the contractor handling trail mowing to clarify the Ward Road maintenance schedule.