$230K in MassTrail Grants to Fund 2 Local Projects: Dover Greenway and Canton's Wentworth Shared-Use Path Feasibility Study

MassTrails has recently awarded two grants to be applied to local shared-used path projects - one in the amount of $184,760 to the Town of Dover for a potential recreational trail and shared-used pathway, and $48,000 to the Town of Canton for project development of a shared-use path at the Mary E. Wentworth Recreational Facility.

The projects will increase access to outdoor recreation, said Governor Maura Healey in a statement. “We are enabling our residents to immerse themselves in nature and choose sustainable transportation options,” she said.

Town of Dover Is Awarded almost $185,000 for Dover Rail Trail Project

The Town of Dover plans to apply its grant of almost $185,000 to design, engineering, and permitting of the Dover Rail Trail project (also called the Dover Greenway).

The town anticipates a planning process of a few months, with an opportunity for public feedback. “We are excited to collaborate with all stakeholders to explore the possibility of enhancing Dover’s recreational infrastructure through the development of the Dover Rail Trail project,” said Dover Parks and Recreation Director Mark Ghiloni.

The project would create a publicly owned multi-use corridor for biking, pedestrians, and non-motorized public transportation and recreation by converting an approximate 3.5 mile portion of the MBTA’s former Bay Colony Rail Line. The goal of the project is to improve community connectivity and encourage healthier lifestyles through outdoor recreation. Residents with questions are invited to reach out to Recreation Director Ghiloni at mghiloni@doverma.gov.

Town of Canton Is Awarded $48,000 for Wentworth Shared-Used Path Feasibility Study

MassTrails has also awarded the Town of Canton a grant of $48,000 for project development of a shared-use path at the Mary E. Wentworth Recreational Facility. The initial concept is to construct an accessible, elevated boardwalk of more than 1.2 miles on helical pilings along the water’s edge, with a design that weaves it into the landscape. Canton officials plan to use the grant for a project feasibility study. Accompanying the feasibility study will be a larger Master Plan, funded by the Community Preservation Act.

"Making our extensive trails more accessible for all individuals to enjoy remains a priority for our town,” said Canton Town Planner Taylor Torres.

Local Grants are Among 65 Awarded in State

The Dover Rail Trail and Canton’s shared-use path project at the Mary E. Wentworth Recreational Facility are two of the 65 trail improvement projects across Massachusetts that recently have been awarded a total of $12 million in grants, that the Healey-Driscoll administration announced in late June.

Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll said in a statement that, “Our trail network links cities and towns across the region, playing a crucial role in building strong, united communities. They provide spaces for residents to come together, connect with each other, and engage in healthy outdoor activities.”

MassTrail grants are funded from two sources - the state’s Commonwealth Trail grants and the federal Recreational Trails Program (RTP)

Commonwealth Trails grants are awarded to help communities design, create, and maintain off-road, shared-use pathway connections, especially those build out longer regional networks of multi-use pathways. The grants also help fund projects that fill in critical gaps in existing networks or projects that alleviate obstacles to connectivity. The recreational trails funded by MassTrails accommodate a wide range of activities, including mountain biking, horseback riding, paddling, and more.

The federal RTP is administered at state level and seeks to develop and maintain recreational trail projects which may include motorized or non-motorized projects.

MassTrail grant applications were reviewed by an inter-agency MassTrails Team made up of representatives from MassDOT, Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, Department of Conservation & Recreation, and the Massachusetts Recreational Trails Advisory Board.

Thanks to the towns of Dover and Canton for sharing their news with Westwood Minute.

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