Wachusett Greenways Celebrates Rail Trail Connections

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Saturday, June 02, 2012

GoLocalWorcester Features Team

Wachusett Greenways, together with the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, is hosting a family fun day and dedication ceremony on the Rutland portion of the Mass. Central Rail Trail.

“It’s a celebration of the completion of the connection of the long section in Rutland,” Colleen Abrams, president of Wachusett Greenways said. “We now have two tunnels in Rutland, and nearly nine miles is connected, off road trail."

The ceremony, which will thank the trails partners for their dedication to the Rail Trail, will take place at 11 am on Saturday, where the Rail Trail intersects the Midstate Trail just off Route 122, one mile west of Route 122A. The children’s event is a type of scavenger hunt that will lead them to different types of plants and other items on the trail.

“Our event is taking place in the heart of the Commonwealth,” Abrams said. “We’re celebrating all of our partners that have been with us since 1995: the towns, businesses, individuals, foundations, and Mass. DOT and Mass. Fish and Wildlife.”

Following the brief ceremony, which will include MA Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs Richard Sullivan and DCR Commissioner Edward Lambert, refreshments will be served and the trail will be open for walking or biking.

Wachusett Greenways supervises a 30 mile stretch of trails along the 104 mile Mass Central Rail Trail, which runs from Boston to Northampton. To date, 16 of the 30 miles have been completed; Wachusett Greenways oversees the trails that run from the Cider Mill in Sterling to Coldbrook Road in Oakham.

Parking is available at Rutland State Park off of Route 122A. Follow balloons along the trails to get to the ceremony location. The event will take place rain or shine.