The Walpole Trails Committee was recently notified that it won a Recreational Trails Program (RTP) Grant in the amount of $14,000. The money will be used for the construction of a 250 foot long boardwalk through the School Meadow Brook wetland, which is on the east side of Washington St. in Walpole across from the Water Department. The boardwalk will provide a link between Jarvis Farm, a town-owned recreational area and the east parcel of the Walpole Town Forest. The grant also provides funds to construct a 20 ft by 20 ft viewing platform adjacent to the boardwalk that can be used for birdwatching, picnics and outdoor education.
The RTP Grant program is administered by the DCR. The funding originates with the Federal Gasoline tax and all states have similar programs to disburse money to trails groups. Grants are awarded competitively. The grant application was submitted on Feb. 1, and the Trails Committee was notified of their win in early August. The award letter asked that no announcements be made until after a formal ceremony to award the grants and the issuance of a related press release by State Government. That ceremony was held in Palmer on Tuesday, September 17, in Palmer, and was attended by the Chairman of the DCR and the Lt. Governor.
This is a reimbursement-type grant, where money is reimbursed after materials have been purchased and used in the construction of the project. Construction of the boardwalk is expected to begin this fall. The viewing platform will be done this fall or next spring.
