Commission updates: accessible trail at Boggy Meadow Road to start; bids posted for Nashawannick Brook restoration

At the Jan. 22 meeting staff provided updates on two multi-phase projects the commission has previously discussed.

All-persons-accessible trail: The commission issued a negative determination in the fall for a trail on Boggy Meadow Road that will create an accessible route from a new parking lot on Cook Avenue to Beaver Pond. Staff said work will begin in early February, funded by the Community Preservation Act, with the trail mostly surfaced in gravel and asphalt used on steeper approaches to protect access and slope stability.

Nashawannick Brook / Pine Grove restoration: Staff described work at the former golf course off Old Wilson Road where a culvert failure created inundation upstream and prompted a decision to prioritize stream restoration. The commission is working with the Division of Ecological Restoration and has prepared bid documents; bids include a base package and add-alternatives so final scope will depend on grant awards. If grants materialize the project would dead-end Old Wilson Road, install a pedestrian bridge, remove the failed culvert, restore stream channel sections and provide parking and trail access. Staff noted that all work funded by the grants must be completed by the end of the fiscal year (June 30).

Staff said bids open imminently; the commission will coordinate with the Department of Public Works about road closure and plowing arrangements during construction.

What comes next: Bids will be evaluated once grant awards are known; early-phase work (trail prep, base bid items) may proceed depending on funding and bid results.