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Milford commission reviews trail projects, accessibility plans and Ghost Train fundraiser
Summary
Commissioners discussed resurfacing the rail trail, solarizing bollards, improving access for mobility‑challenged users, and shared plans to recruit volunteers and name a storage container; the Ghost Train race fundraiser has raised about $65,000 to date.
The Milford Conservation Commission used its Feb. 12 meeting to advance several operational items: trail resurfacing and materials, accessibility improvements, volunteer recruitment for outreach events, and coordination for the Ghost Train rail‑trail fundraiser.
Commissioners reviewed a long‑range trail plan and said resurfacing the section south of Malendi Road is a near‑term priority; one volunteer noted Mike Merrill would examine costs. A $5,000 quote to solarize bollards at Armory Road (with battery backup) was discussed alongside concerns about battery failures causing continuous flashing and the need for maintenance access.
Accessibility for mobility‑challenged users was raised as a priority. A commissioner suggested improving parking‑to‑trail connections so residents with limited mobility could access a meaningful trail segment; members agreed Malendi Road appears feasible while Armory Road is steep and may require engineering work or a boardwalk.
On community outreach, the commission agreed to help staff the March sustainability fair and tentatively pledged $100 toward a speaker (an owl program), with the possibility of increased support if needed. The group also reported the storage unit for race equipment is in place and discussed asking local students to suggest a friendlier name tied to the Ghost Train event.
The Ghost Train race was described as a major fundraiser; early registrations and fundraising have yielded approximately $65,000. Commissioners said they will share organizational responsibilities to avoid concentrating event knowledge in a single person and plan a work session to review roles and documentation.
No formal votes were taken on project funding at the Feb. 12 meeting; several items (bollard solarization, trail resurfacing) were left to staff and volunteers for cost estimates and follow‑up at subsequent meetings.
