Conscious of the many benefits rail-trails bring to rural communities, the people of Wayland, Mass., about 20 miles west of Boston, are taking a proactive approach toward developing a rail-trail in their region.

Wayland lies along the route of the proposed Massachusetts Central Rail Trail (MCRT), a 104-mile trail project that would connect 24 communities, from Boston to Northampton, and traverse almost the entire width of the state.

The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (MDCR) recently leased 26 miles of the rail corridor passing through Wayland and the small communities of Waltham, Weston, Sudbury, Hudson and Berlin, for conversion into a multi-use greenway. But while MDCR has the administrative will to see the corridor through Wayland turned into a trail, it does not currently have the means--an estimated $20 million to develop 26 miles of hard-surface trail.

Fearful that the daunting task of raising such a large amount of money would see the entire project languish and disappear, an energetic and well-organized group of locals has formed Friends of the Wayland Rail Trail. They are positioning the town as the ideal candidate to kick off the larger trail effort as a smaller demonstration project.

Friends of the Wayland Rail Trail has produced a remarkable document explaining the value of a multi-use trail to the town, and stating why Wayland is the most appropriate choice to receive funding support as a "phase one" in the larger development of the trail. The Wayland section is three miles of the 26-mile corridor.

"Over the last several years, support for the rail-trail in Wayland has been growing and we have been improving the informal path through special permits," the report states. "We would like to work with MDCR now on the three miles within our town lines as a demonstration project for the MCRT. It may be as much as 20 years before the goal of a 26-mile hard surface multi-use trail could be funded and built. With low cost improvements the informal path could be transformed into a significantly improved and safer recreational trail."

The report points out the significant public and municipal support for the trail in Wayland and notes the inclusion of a multi-use trail connecting to downtown Wayland in the municipal master plan. In recent years the township has emphasized the importance of enabling non-motorized transportation; it's new "Wayland Walks Wayland Works" program is aimed at connecting all of Wayland Center with sidewalks and walkways.

In mobilizing support for the rail-trail in their town, Friends of the Wayland Rail-Trail has built a thorough and digestible library of maps, photos, information, summaries of benefits, current trail conditions, potential links to other trails and proposals for development that clearly demonstrates the strong grassroots support needed to turn state or federal funding into a successful local project. The document also includes statements of support from residents and local businesspeople, a compelling testimony to the energy in Wayland for more opportunities for walking and biking.

"This is an unprecedented opportunity to develop a major community resource," says one resident. "I still have the dream that Weston will join up and make a Waltham to Bolton connection, but even just through Wayland is a great opportunity."

"One of the best aspects of Wayland is the ability to make use of open space," another resident comments. "As we lose some of the space to development, we need to keep working to find and new ways to offer open space to residents and visitors. The rail-trail works well in other towns; we need to get on board!"

"I'm in support of any activity that will bring families and friends together for exercise," says another resident. "It is an excellent use of the land and will preserve it for future generations."

With federal and state budgets tight, the people of Wayland have tapped into the importance of demonstrating resounding community support for these projects, and emphasizing the value for money they represent.

For more information on the Wayland Rail Trail, contact Larry Kiernan at larrykiernan04@gmail.com, or 508.358.2568.

Photo and slide courtesy of Friends of the Wayland Rail Trail.