The office of Governor Maura Healey disclosed a recent boost to Massachusetts' outdoor scene: a hefty $7.5 million in grants targeted at trail improvements. As per a release from the Healey-Driscoll Administration, the funds will enhance and extend the state's trail network, adding 60 miles of new recreational trails for public enjoyment. These trails, which reinforce the infrastructure of outdoor leisure, are set to become more accessible, effectively inviting increased participation in outdoor activities.
The MassTrails grant program operates as the funding conduit for these improvements, offering support to a spectrum of applicants that include communities, public entities, Native nations, and nonprofit organizations. In this year's round of funding, 50 trail projects across the state are set to benefit from the investment, which begins to intentionally break down barriers to outdoor recreation. “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," Governor Healey is quoted as saying in an announcement obtained by Mass.gov. The investment, therefore, extends beyond recreation – it's slated to also boost job creation, tourism, and support local businesses.
Contributing to the sentiment, Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll recounted her experience as a former mayor and observed that trail networks do more than facilitate exercise; they connect communities and catalyze a sense of unity. "Our trails help strengthen community pride and make our towns more connected and accessible for everyone," she told Mass.gov.
These trail updates are part and parcel of a broader legislative agenda, the Mass Ready Act, which dedicates a staggering $3 billion towards modernizing parks, trails, beaches, and historic sites across Massachusetts. Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper shared a personal affinity for the trails, noting their role in daily life for exercise and mental clarity. “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,” Tepper expressed in a statement obtained by Mass.gov.
A variety of municipalities, from Arlington to Wrentham, are in line to receive this funding, with projects ranging from pedestrian pathways to multi-use trails. An inter-agency group, including representatives from MassDOT, EEA, DCR, and the Massachusetts Recreational Trails Advisory Board (MARTAB), reviews all applications. Depending on the nature of the project, grants can go as high as $500,000. For more specifics on the awarded projects and up-to-date information on trail development, interested parties can visit the MassTrails Grants webpage.
