Press Release for the Springdale Mill River Walk grant from the children of Jeremiah and Charlotte Kaplan.

Wachusett Greenways announced today (October 10, 2000) it has received a grant of $160,000 for the construction of a 1.7 mile section of the Mass Central Rail Trail. The new section, to be named The Springdale Mill River Walk, will be a multi purpose recreational and educational trail traversing scenic public lands with two bridges crossing the Quinapoxet River. The Springdale Mill River Walk will be built in Holden, extending the existing 1.2 mile section of trail in West Boylston, thus making it one of the longest finished rail trails in the region. The trail will be open to the public for bicycling, walking, jogging and cross-country skiing. The grant will also fund an adjacent interpretive path among the foundations of The Springdale Mill, an 1800's woolen mill, and the mill village. The grant was given by the children of Jeremiah and Charlotte Kaplan in honor of their parents, grandparents and great grandparents, all of whom had deep ties to the Wachusett region. In order to receive the full $160,000 grant, Wachusett Greenways must raise an additional $60,000 in contributions from the local community of greenway enthusiasts. The additional $60,000 challenge fund will be used to help build other new sections of the Mass Central Rail Trail in Rutland, Holden and Sterling. The Mass Central Rail Trail is a planned recreational trail following the former Mass Central railroad line which ran 104 miles from Northampton to Boston. The Wachusett Greenways section follows more than 30 miles of the old rail route and connecting country roads between Sterling center and Oakham. The trail will connect to other trails along the way including the Midstate Trail and Blackstone Bikeway. The trail will be surfaced with stone dust and much will be wheelchair accessible. The completed 1.2-mile section in the Oakdale section of West Boylston was opened in October 1997 and a 1.1-mile section in Rutland will open this fall. The grant inaugurates an important public/private partnership in the region. The partnership will include the citizens of central Massachusetts, private foundations and other charitable organizations, the towns along the trail and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Wachusett Greenways is a non-profit volunteer organization established in 1995 to form partnerships advocating for greenways. The group seeks to raise awareness of the natural resource, health and recreation benefits of green spaces and to create new trail opportunities right here in the Wachusett area.

Directions to Mass Central Rail Trail, Holden Section, River Street entrance.

From Holden Center: Travel north on Route 31 ~1.3 miles. Near the bottom of a hill as you round a curve, turn right onto Wachusett Street. Take the first left onto River Street. Travel ~1 mile to bright orange jersey barrier on the left and park for the entrance to the trail.
For additional location information call Colleen Abrams 508-829-3954 or Ed Yaglou 978-355-2539

Participants shared their enthusiasm:

Joe McGinn, Director Metropolitan District Commission, Division of Watershed Management:
"The rail trail represents an important linkage through some of the most pristine and critical open spaces in Central Massachusetts. This project also represents and important stewardship linkage through partnerships including the Town, Wachusett Greenways, the Kaplan family trust and the MDC."

David Kaplan, member of the family, which is providing the $160,000, grant for The Springdale Mill River Walk: "My family and I are very pleased to make this grant to honor our local heritage and contribute to our community. We hope our donation will inspire others, both public and private to commit themselves to completing the rail trail."

Brian Bullock, Holden Town Manager: "The project has tremendous importance for our citizens including seniors who will have a lovely, level and well maintained recreational and therapeutic trail."

David Bunker, State Representative: "I am thrilled to be a part of this effort. In addition to preserving green space and developing recreational opportunities for our citizens, we are preserving our area's history for the future."

Stephen Brewer, State Senator: "The future of environmental recreation lies in the linkage our natural resources through public private partnerships. Our generation has a responsibility to pass on the historical legacy of our forefathers to future generations."

Harriette Chandler, State Representative (now Senator) : "This is a magnificent example of what is possible in revitalizing treasures of the past and a wonderful opportunity for local school children and all citizens to discover history at the Springdale mill and village."

Edward Yaglou, chairman of Wachusett Greenway's Mass Central Rail Trail Task Force.

John Scannell, acting Superintendent of the Sudbury/Wachusett Watershed, Metropolitan District Commission.

John Kovich, chief of Rangers, MDC.

Jennifer Stowe, MDC Ranger.

Colleen Abrams, Wachusett Greenways President