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Local group advances Bruce Freeman connector to middle school with seed funding and RFQ
Summary
Volunteers and PTG members reported $50,000 transferred to Concord Public Schools and a $25,000 anonymous donation in process toward a quarter‑mile Bruce Freeman Rail Trail connector to the Ellen Garrison Building; an RFQ went to 8–9 firms and organizers aim for design work this summer and construction in 2027 if bids fit the $50,000 design budget.
A volunteer presenter updated the committee on plans to connect the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail to the Ellen Garrison Building with a conceptual quarter‑mile connector. The select board endorsed the concept and several community groups — including a 400‑member cycling group referenced as Monsters in the Basement — have provided letters of support.
The project team said they have transferred $50,000 to Concord Public Schools for the project and that an anonymous $25,000 donation is in process. An RFQ was expanded to 8–9 contractors after earlier bids were sparse; preliminary responses indicated some larger firms view the expedited timeline or budget as a constraint.
Organizers presented a phased timeline: phase 1 (design and planning) targeted for June–August, phase 2 (bridle design, bidding and construction procurement) from October of this year through May 2027, and construction and opening in sequence if bidding and funding allow. The RFQ splits work into phases to allow public input on preliminary designs before final schematics are completed.
What’s next: the friends group and PTG will review RFQ responses, the committee will receive updates and organizers plan to involve students for input on early designs.
