Grand Opening of Nature Trail and Conservation Area Scheduled

The Mayor Michael J. Bonfanti Nature Trail and Conservation Area at Sydney’s Pond will open to the public with a ceremonial ribbon cutting and dedication on Thursday, Nov. 5 at 2 p.m. at the Meadow at Peabody Golf Course.

“Peabody residents can take great pride in the city’s newest nature preserve and walking trail,” Mayor Edward A. Bettencourt Jr. said. “The land surrounding Sydney’s Pond has always been peaceful and scenic. Our goal was to simply make it more accessible so that more people could enjoy its quiet beauty.”

The Sydney’s Pond project is the first phase of the South Peabody Trail Project, which will connect approximately 300 acres of city-owned open space for walkers, joggers, and cyclists. Phase II of the project starts next spring and involves improved surfacing, fencing and drainage along Spring Pond.

The project is largely financed by a $925,000 state grant.

Bettencourt said the decision to name the Sydney’s Pond portion of the project after his predecessor, Mayor Michael J. Bonfanti, was an easy one given Bonfanti’s long record of public service, south Peabody roots and love of the outdoors.