Holliston’s Rail Trail History
How the Holliston Rail Trail got its start
More than 20 years ago a group of residents had a shared vision to protect open space and eventually convert the existing railroad track into a multi-purpose trail. The ultimate vision is for five towns to create a 26+ mile loop, known as the Upper Charles Trail. Each town is in various stages of development, with Milford and Holliston now complete.
On January 25, 1999, the Holliston Select Board established the Holliston Trail Committee (HTC) as a seven-member board. This Committee is separate from the Friends of the Holliston Trails.
The goal of the HTC is to implement and maintain this multi-purpose trail system through the Town of Holliston. The HTC has been instrumental in assisting the Select Board with the implemention process, including: assistance with land leases, land acquisition, consultant coordination, grant applications, design decisions, publicity, and maintenance. The HTC members are expected to protect the welfare of residents of the town and legal users of the trail. Robert Weidknecht, a passionate leader for the conservation of public space, has chaired the HTC since 2001.
Thoughts from member Robert Weidknecht:
Why he got started on the trail:
John Thomas, the then president of Beals and Thomas, Inc, an engineering consulting firm, had asked me to help out in the design of the Trail. I prepared the initial 25% plans used in securing the first phase of funding for the project. The project had stopped progressing. Then, in the late 1990’s, I was managing two development projects along the Minuteman Rail Trail in Arlington, Massachusetts. I had seen how the rail trail had revived downtown Arlington and I hoped to replicate this in Holliston. I sent out a newspaper article and set up a meeting to see if there was interest in resurrecting the rail trail project. Thirty people attended, so we then created an ad-hoc group to reactivate the project.
What he loves about the trail:
I love to see so many people of all ages and abilities using the Trail. It’s great to see students riding or walking to school again, or so many residents walking their dogs daily, or seniors who hadn’t ridden a bike in years who have now purchased new bikes. The Trail has gotten neighbors to see and talk to each other. It is also great to see so many activities and groups that use the Trail such as Farmers Market, Fun Runs, Virtual Marathons, First Night, fundraisers, Boston Athletic Association, numerous walking and running groups, as well as businesses.
Why trails are important to communities:
The Rail Trail has contributed so much to the quality of life in Holliston. I have seen so much community participation in Holliston, more so than I have seen on any other rail trail. The Trail was practically built by volunteers. There were so many partnerships and groups involved in making this project happen. The improvements: landscaping, stone pillars, gazebo, bike racks, benches, story book walk, flag poles, exercise stations, repair station, mile markers, etiquette signs, picnic tables, and informational panels have all been donated or constructed by volunteers.