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2017 Southborough Trails Scout Projects
Sudbury Reservoir Trail Bridge Replacement near Fay School
Eagle Scout: Nathan Hall, Troop 92
Project Completion Date: December 2017
This project involved building an American with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant footbridge over a seasonal waterway on the Sudbury Reservoir Trail near the Fay School athletic field. It also included cleaning out the debris from the old bridge and immediate trail area.
Before the new footbridge was built, it was very difficult to cross this waterway and the previous structures was not very attractive. The footbridge, similar to a design used by Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) at the Quabbin, involved installing cement footings on each bank and building the decking and railings. The bridge is not only beautiful, but it also provides a safe crossing for all trail walkers. The footbridge is a considerable improvement to this section of the trail.
Many thanks to Nathan, Troop 92 and its leadership, DCR, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, the Recreation Department, Conservation Commission, and all other departments, volunteers, family, friends, and community members who contributed to this project.
Trailblazing, GPS Mapping, Map Box Installations, Hike Southborough Day
Girl Scout Silver Award Project: Shannon Provencal and Kathryn Gowdy, Troop 85160
Project Completion Date: September 2017
This project involved mapping the trails in Southborough using the AllTrails App, marking the Sudbury Reservoir Trail (SRT), trash and brush clean up on the trails, making and installing trail map boxes along the SRT, and placing five geocaches around town. In addition, Shannon and Kathryn coordinated and hosted a Hike Southborough Trails Day on September 23, 2017 at Chestnut Hill Farm. As part of the event, they scheduled guided hikes for families to participate in at Beals Preserve, Chestnut Hill Farm, Breakneck Hill Conservation Land, and the Sudbury Reservoir Trail led by local community members. They also included a kid's scavenger hunt and brought in an expert in wildlife tracking, Paul Wanta, to lead one of the hikes.
This project was full of useful trail enhancements and provided a wonderful event for the community while promoting the trails. It improved trail navigation through the use of technology, map boxes, and more trail markers. The event had a great turn out!
Shannon and Kathryn received an award from the Southborough Open Land Foundation for enhancing and raising awareness of Southborough’s hiking trails.
Many thanks to Shannon and Kathryn, Troop 85160 and its leadership, the Recreation Department, Southborough Open Land Foundation (SOLF), Chestnut Hill Farm, Freddie Gillespie of the Stewardship Committee, Deborah Costine of SOLF, and all other departments, volunteers, family, friends, and community members who contributed to this project.