If You Build It, They Will Come
Photos by Carolynn Henderson
Yes, Holliston built a “Field of Dreams.” The Town built a recreational rail trail that spans the length of the town from Milford to Sherborn. All 6.7 miles are traveled by walkers, strollers and bikers. The trail has become central to the “get out and exercise” routine of many people. There’s little doubt the trail has exceeded our expectations.
Over the last six months, two electronic counters have kept track of how many people use the trail. Counters were installed near Blair Square and Village Plaza. Analysis of the data collected breaks out which days are the busiest and what the averages are for various months. Here’s some of the general data from the last six months:
- 94,121 people passed the Blair Square counter (some are round trip hikers) * (charts for Blair Square are at the end of the article)
- 15,000 is the monthly average *
- 40,154 people passed the Village Plaza counter (again, some round tippers)
- 8,200 is the monthly average
As you’d expect, weekends are the busiest and, surprisingly, Tuesday is the busiest day of the weekdays. The bulk of use falls between 10 AM and 4 PM daily. These figures don’t even take into account trail use on the south end of the trail toward Milford and the stretch toward Sherborn. Users have their favorite time slot and location for being on the trail whether it’s the 8-arch bridge, the Phipps Tunnel, the Blue Heron rookery or just a shady section of trail to enjoy.
The Rail Trail Committee and the Friends of the Holliston Rail Trail work cooperatively to maintain and enhance the usefulness of this town-wide treasure. The trail has been met with solid support and continual use. As the movie theme suggests; “We built it and they did come.”
17 Comments
It is one of the best resources in a town with lots of competition for great resources. The gravel surface is comfortable on feet and knees. The benches are well-sited; the scenery changes daily; the people you pass are friendly. Thank you to all who spend so much time keeping it wonderful!
A true Holliston treasure. Where is the heron rookery?
Laraine – we park on Mayflower Landing and walk the trail towards Sherborn -the heron rookery is down a little way on the right side !
I agree a great asset but I also agree a paved trail would be safer for senior citizen biking.
After 20 + years on the rail trail committee and being a part of the journey to where the trail is today, although I know it is well used when I saw the numbers that show how many people actually use the trail, I was thrilled. The journey from no land, no money and only a dream has shown me what determination, dedicated people and time can do. Watching the army of volunteers who showed up to help with challenges like piping in the mud at the Phipps tunnel , putting railings on the bridges at Arch St. and Exchange St and many other necessary projects makes me feel gratitude for the people of this town. It has been a privilege to work with the fine members of the committee and the volunteers throughout the years.
Awesome data! I must have passed the counters hundreds of times but did not notice them.
A question for Herb and others: is there anyone in Sherborn and Ashland working towards developing their sections? I recently rode to the town line and the soggy mud reminded me of what the Phipps section used to look like. It would be great to bike to Ashland and Framingham while avoiding traffic.