BOSTON — The Healey-Driscoll administration awarded the town a $100,000 MassTrails grant for the Lynnfield Rail Trail on Oct. 7.
Town Administrator Rob Dolan informed the Villager that the $100,000 grant will be used for screening for rail trail abutters.
The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) approved funding Phase 1 of the Lynnfield Rail Trail in fiscal year 2026, totaling $6,062,695, earlier this year. Spring Town Meeting approved three warrant articles related to Phase 1 of the Lynnfield Rail Trail. Phase 1 will go from Ford Avenue, which is off of Perry Avenue, to Nichols Lane in Peabody.
MassDOT has yet to approve funding Phase 2 of the rail trail, which would go from Ford Avenue, through Reedy Meadow and into Wakefield. The Wakefield Rail Trail will run from the Junction area across from the Galvin Middle School to it connects with Lynnfield at Reedy Meadow via an elevated boardwalk.
The MassTrails program provides matching grants to communities, public entities, individuals, Native nations and nonprofit organizations. These grants help fund the planning, creation and maintenance of trails suitable for a variety of outdoor activities, including walking, running, hiking, cycling, skiing, horseback riding, and off-road vehicle use. This year’s projects also focus on making trails more accessible for everyone.
“Trails are more than just paths through the woods. They bring people into town to eat at local restaurants, stay in small hotels and shop at small businesses,” said Gov. Maura Healey. “When we invest in trails, we’re investing in jobs, tourism and the local businesses that keep Massachusetts moving forward.”
Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll agreed.
“As a former mayor, I saw how trail networks bring communities together in a real, practical way. They connect neighborhoods, parks and downtowns, making it easier for people to walk, bike and spend time outdoors,” said Driscoll. “Our trails help strengthen community pride and make our towns more connected and accessible for everyone.”
The program is part of the Healey-Driscoll administration’s Mass Ready Act, which addresses the need to invest in local economies while protecting water and nature. With $3 billion in funding, the Mass Ready Act aims to revitalize state parks, trails, beaches, and historic sites.
“I use the trails almost every day. It’s where I clear my head, get some exercise and feel connected to the place I live,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “Having safe, clean spaces to walk, bike, and commute, makes a real difference. It’s good for our health, it cuts down on traffic pollution, and it helps protect the land and air we all share.”
Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) Commission Nicole LaChapelle concurred with Tepper’s viewpoint.
“Trails connect people – to nature, to their neighbors, and to opportunities for recreation and wellness,” said
LaChapelle. “What’s exciting about our MassTrails program is these trails mean safer walks to school, a more accessible path to work, or a new way to explore your community’s natural resources. This funding is going to improve the quality of life for residents across Massachusetts and preserve access to the outdoors for future generations.”