Art and Community Celebrated on the Dedham Rail Trail

DEDHAM, MA. — On Sunday, October 20, over fifty Dedham residents gathered for a family-friendly “Cider & Donut” event to share their vision for a multi-use community path on the town's abandoned rail trail corridor. During this event, families shared their enthusiasm for the trail, kids decorated pumpkins, and three art murals created by local artists were unveiled.

Artist Sal D’Antona, who created the now-iconic mural in Oakdale Square, painted a tree with colorful, abstract leaves. Educator/Artist Clarissa Robyn, whose backyard opens directly onto the trail, created a radiant sun with a purple butterfly. Christine Ryan, and Janet and Paul & Peter H. Reynolds collaborated on a poppy flower-themed mural. Civic leader Joe Borsellino also lent his artistic talent to the event by sketching a beautiful rail trail scene on a large pumpkin. All of the murals are portable, and celebrate the natural elements one would find along a trail.

There was also a dandelion mural, painted by New York Times best-selling Author/Illustrator Peter H. Reynolds, on which attendees could share their specific wishes for the rail trail. Some of the wishes were for a: “safe, happy, and fun rail trail for all,” “beautiful trail for all to enjoy,” “safe route to Avery in time for my son to use it,” and “community that celebrates progress.”

The event was hosted by a pro-rail-trail abutter who has supported the project from the beginning. Many attendees were able to utilize the existing rail trail corridor to walk or bike to the event. Craig Della Penna, a realtor who specializes in matching homeowners with property that is on or near multi-use paths, was also in attendance. Craig has been involved in rail trail projects for over two decades, and has helped in one way or another to develop over 1,000 miles of rail trails in the northeast U.S. He owns the Sugar Maple Trailside Inn, a bed and breakfast that sits just eight feet away from the Northampton Bike Path.

Georganna Woods, one of the founders of the Friends of the Dedham Heritage Rail Trail expressed her thanks, “We are deeply thankful to all of the participants for celebrating art and community, and sharing their vision for a recreational path all ages and abilities can enjoy.”

About Dedham Heritage Rail Trail:

The Friends of the Dedham Heritage Rail Trail is a dedicated group of trail abutters, residents, and civic leaders working to convert the 10 acre (approximately 1.3 mile) abandoned railway that runs from East Street to Readville train station into a multi-use, fully accessible path incorporating and connecting public art, community gardens, and Dedham’s rich history with adjacent neighborhoods and schools. For more information: www.DedhamRailTrail.org or on Facebook: /DedhamRailTrail.