Friends of Holliston Trails Announces $45,000 Matching Fundraising Campaign in Support of Blair Square Redevelopment Project

The town-appointed Blair Square Committee has been working with the community for the past four years to design improvements to Blair Square, intended to enhance the usability of the area. With the plan set, the Committee is identifying funding sources for the project.

During Town Meeting on May 9, with the support of the Select Board, Finance Committee, and Community Preservation Committee (CPC), the Blair Square Committee seeks approval from our neighbors to vote in favor of CPC funding for the project (details in town warrant).  

While the Blair Square Committee has applied for and received unanimous CPC support for the full estimated amount of the development cost, more than $565,000, they continue to seek other sources of funding for this project by way of grants and traditional fundraising. When funding is received from these other sources, the Project’s dependency on CPC funds decreases.

To kick off our fundraising efforts, Friends of Holliston Trails and the Blair Square Committee are delighted to announce a matching fundraising campaign in support of the revitalization of Blair Square. One of the key amenities included in the plan is a pavilion that will enable community groups to stage music performances, poetry slams, or emcee events, like Friends of Holliston Trails’ Annual Trail Run. The pavilion is estimated to cost $90,000 and Friends of Holliston Trails has committed to match the funds raised by the Blair Square Committee, dollar for dollar, up to $45,000. 

“We are thrilled to partner with Friends of Holliston Trails on this matching fundraising campaign. Having their support gives us a jump start on our overall fundraising efforts,“ said Kevin Conley, Chairperson, Blair Square Committee. “I look forward to hearing from businesses and individuals in the community who might be interested in helping us realize our vision of a multi-purpose community space.”

“The redevelopment of Blair Square is important to help improve drainage in the area and signage directing trail users to local businesses, while also designing a multi-functional community space,” said Gretchen Rice Prieve, President, Friends of Holliston Trails. “The proposed pavilion is one amenity that will offer town groups endless opportunities to connect.”

If any individual or local company is interested in donating toward this fundraising campaign and having your dollars matched by Friends of Holliston Trails’ pledge, please contact Kevin Conley (kpconley100@gmail.com).

About Friends of Holliston Trails

Founded in 2012, Friends of Holliston Trails is a registered 501c3 all-volunteer organization who collaborates with the town-appointed Holliston Trails Committee to maintain a safe, multi-purpose trail. Volunteers run programs on the trail, host community events, and fundraise. All the funds we raise go directly into safety improvements and amenities along the trail. For more information, visit HollistonTrails.org or follow us on Facebook.

About Blair Square Committee

The Blair Square Committee was first appointed in 2018 with the goal to evaluate and recommend the best long-term use of Blair Square, from Central Street to Exchange Street. In partnership with Beals and Thomas, Inc. and local Landscape Architect, Inge Daniels, the group has collaborated with numerous town groups and residents to envision an improved space to benefit the entire community.