Trails advisory committee prioritizes shade‑tree micromobility segment and storybook walk for 2026

Franklin Township’s Trails Advisory Committee on Dec. 10 identified a shade‑tree–lined micromobility segment and a storybook walk as priority projects for its 2026 work program.

The committee’s chair reported taking the panel’s project recommendations to the Open Space budget committee, which “loved all the project ideas that we had,” and said next steps include generating engineering cost estimates and routing concepts before seeking formal funding from the open space trust fund and township council.

The committee endorsed a pilot segment that would connect Nan/Neon Williams Park to nearby schools and the youth center. The Shade Tree Commission has offered funding to purchase and plant trees along the route; the chair said that partnership makes the segment a “high priority” because it advances goals from the township’s local health assessment and the micromobility study.

Tara, a township staff member, said Shade Tree will propose species, counts and potential planting locations and that the Shade Tree fund would cover trees and planting; she described the open space trust fund process for implementation. “So, our DPW is in charge of maintaining the trees,” the chair added, noting the township’s water truck and open‑space maintenance staff would handle early watering and upkeep.

Members asked how plantings would work where tree wells cross private property or narrow rights‑of‑way. The committee agreed that final planting sites will require Shade Tree field surveys, and that some placements will need council approval and coordination with engineering and DPW to avoid sidewalk damage.

Committee members also discussed elements of the micromobility study beyond trees — including improved crosswalks, warning signs, curb extensions and wider turning areas — and said many of those infrastructure changes would fall under engineering or transportation but that TAC would coordinate routing, amenities and community partners.

The group also reaffirmed support for a permanent, refreshable “storybook walk” on the purple trail between Middle Bush Park and the library, with interpretive signs and a library display to encourage trail use and reading. The chair said that project is relatively low cost and could be paired with tree plantings to advance multiple goals simultaneously.

The committee noted the Somerset County Trails Grant program as a likely funding source for larger projects such as a loop on County Route 518 and said it will prepare grant concepts once other work (notably Katalpa/Katala Park) is further along.

Next steps: staff and volunteers will develop concept maps and rough cost estimates, Shade Tree Commission volunteers will survey for tree locations, engineering will advise on street‑level improvements, and the committee will return recommendations to the Open Space Advisory Committee and then to township council for approval. The Trails Advisory Committee’s next regular meeting is scheduled for Jan. 14 and will be in person.