The Harvard Park woodland trails are in a state of unfortunate disrepair, with roots exposed everywhere and constant puddles for many months of the year. By putting down a gravel trail, the paths would become safer and more enjoyable, therefore benefitting many more of the town’s residents. The proposed trail would be similar to the recreational trail connecting Lancaster County Road and Depot Road; the trail would have a graded gravel base and be roughly 5 feet wide, allowing people to walk or run two across. The ecological impact of the construction is minimal; no trees would be cut down, and the new trail would run the same course as the old one, with a couple of exceptions to mitigate drainage problems near wetland areas.
As a captain of the Bromfield girls’ cross-country team, I have watched the trails degrade to the point that our home course was moved for safety reasons. Seeing the people who walk or run endlessly on the track for safety purposes, instead of enjoying Harvard’s wonderful woods, drove me to work with the Harvard Park Trust to fund this construction. At a recent Community Preservation Committee (CPC) meeting, 10 members of the cross-country teams came to show their support for this project. The track and soccer teams spend a lot of time at Harvard Park, and adding a safe trail system would make for a better athletic experience overall.
The Harvard Conservation Trust holds the Run for the Hills Trail Race there annually, and people have asked on the starting line, “Does the race really go on those trails?” The new track is a tremendous asset to the town, and having safer trails available for exercise or enjoyment there would be a huge benefit to Harvard Park. The upgrade will benefit a great number of the town’s residents and will encourage exercise and enjoyment on the trails. The CPC has approved funds for this use, and your support at Town Meeting on Article 30 would bring about a positive change in our community.
Katharine Toll
Ann Lees Road
