The Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee (FBRTC) is pleased to announce that 4 new benches have been installed along the Southern New England Trunkline Trail (SNETT), enhancing comfort and accessibility for trail users.

The benches were paid for with a combination of a MassTrails grant that was awarded in November, and fundraising proceeds raised at events like our recent Rail Trail 5k.

The process began during the summer of 2024 when the committee sent out a survey to the community asking what improvements they would like. The committee then surveyed the trail, and determined 4 locations that would benefit from new benches. The team then worked with MA DCR to get a quote for acquiring and installing the benches, and used that information to apply for a Mass Trails grant. The grant was submitted in February 2025, and grant winners were originally supposed to be notified in June 2025. Due to unexpected circumstances, the grants were not awarded until November 2025. With a compressed timeline, FBRTC worked with DCR to coordinate the preparation of the sites for the benches, and then assemble and install the benches.

The four new benches were installed along the 2.3-mile stretch of the SNETT between Spring Street in Franklin and Center Street in Bellingham.

“These new benches will greatly improve comfort and accessibility for all trail users,” said Darren McNamara, FBRTC Vice President. “The most common feedback we’ve received is that the lack of seating made it difficult for some—particularly those with mobility challenges—to fully enjoy the trail. This project demonstrates how local advocacy groups like FBRTC can work hand-in-hand with state agencies to improve quality of life in our communities.”

FBRTC is a volunteer-led advocacy organization dedicated to the development and maintenance of the Southern New England Trunkline Trail. Earlier this year, the committee played a key role in advocating for the use of Community Preservation Act funds in Franklin to purchase disused freight rail land—extending the SNETT by 1.75 miles into downtown Franklin. The group’s ongoing priorities include improving the Franklin–Bellingham section of the trail and advancing connectivity toward Blackstone.

FBRTC extends its sincere thanks to Kevin Hollenbeck and Raymond Longvall from Massachusetts DCR for their help in procuring and installing the benches, as well as to state and local officials, sponsors, and donors who supported this effort. Those interested in getting involved with FBRTC’s trail improvement and advocacy efforts are encouraged to contact fbrtcommittee@gmail.com.