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Hubbardston committee endorses movable storybook trail for Malone loop
Summary
The Town of Hubbardston Open Space Committee endorsed installing a movable storybook trail—20 post-and-bucket panels—on the Malone loop once construction clears the short trail, with organizers planning community events and temporary placement while grant funding is pursued.
The Town of Hubbardston Open Space Committee voted to endorse a movable storybook trail to be installed on the Malone loop, committee members heard on a meeting when a guest described the ready-to-install panels.
The endorsement came after Trish, a guest at the meeting, said the trail’s 20 buckets and posts have been filled and are curing at the library and are ready to be placed when the short loop at Malone is accessible. "So the storybook trail is ready to go," Trish said, adding the display panels are temporary and can be moved between trails.
Committee members discussed spacing, access and timing. A member noted spacing should be closer for younger children and recommended about 40 to 60 feet between panels so readers stay engaged and can see the next panel from a short distance. Trish said the short loop from the parking lot is roughly 800 feet and the 20 panels would be evenly spaced around the loop.
Trish said she will submit these minutes with a funding proposal for a Massachusetts Cultural Council grant and another grant; if awarded, the temporary posts would be replaced by locking cases set into permanent posts. She also plans an author visit and a field‑trip style story time when the trail is installed, and expects troop volunteers to help place the panels.
Members cautioned that construction equipment and fresh topsoil on trail berms could delay immediate public use. One committee member advised waiting until the contractor finishes and the new surfaces are stabilized; "let the contractor get his work done, seated, stabilized, then you can give the thumbs up," they said.
The committee endorsed placing the temporary trail on the short Malone loop and discussed hosting a public event or ribbon‑cutting once the installation is complete and safe for visitors.
Committee members also discussed accessibility and outreach: the trail was described as suited for families, strollers and people with limited mobility, and the library and event organizers plan publicity and an initial launch event to encourage community use.
