Work on Medfield Rail Trail could start next year

At its recent "Barn Party" event, Friends of the Medfield Rail Trail leaders announced that approximately two thirds of funding had been secured for the 1.3-mile recreational trail, and construction could begin in 2020 if Medfield Select Board can agree on terms of the 99-year lease with MBTA.

Friends of the Medfield Rail Trail, an initiative of the Medfield Foundation, was launched 10 years ago as part of the larger Bay Colony Rail Trail initiative that included Needham, Dover and Newton. Of the original BCRT-member towns, Newton and Needham have rail trails that are now in use.

Once in place, the Medfield Rail Trail would run between Ice House Road and the Dover line, and be restricted to non-motorized recreational and transportation uses, including walking, running, bicycling, horseback riding and cross-country skiing. The trail would also be handicapped accessible.

The Medfield-specific group was created in 2016 and is led by BCRT co-founder and Medfield resident Christian Donner. In addition to individual and state funding, Friends of the Medfield Rail Trail has received grants from the Medfield Foundation Legacy Fund over the past two years. At the recent Medfield Select Board meeting, Donner reported that the Barn Party added $5,000 to the trail fund.

Medfield-area residents are encouraged to support the Medfield Rail Trail Project three ways:

1. Donate to Friends of the Medfield Rail Trail.

2. Sign up to volunteer to help advance the project by sending an e-mail to medfieldrailtrail@gmail.com.

3. Stay informed about trail progress via the Friends website or by "liking" the Bay Colony Rail Trail page on Facebook.