Last month, FBRTC members met with DCR officials at the Spring Street trailhead to discuss opportunities to highlight the Wadsworth Village history and possible rest area.
Category Archives: SNETT
The FBRTC advocates for the SNETT extension into downtown Franklin
Last month, FBRTC President Cobi Frongillo met with Congressman Auchincloss and Franklin town officials at the Grove Street trailhead to discuss the Industrial Track extension. The FBRTC is advocating for the SNETT extension into downtown Franklin utilizing an abandoned CSX line.
FBRTC 5K Road Race announced for May 18
We are happy to announce that the FBRTC is partnering again with the Tri-Valley Front Runners for our annual FBRTC 5K Road Race and Walk. The race is scheduled for May 18, 2024, and will be at the Grove Street trailhead. Race Registration can be found at the link below.
New RRFBs installed at the Grove Street trailhead
New Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs) are now installed at the Grove Street trailhead. These signs are similar to what were installed at the Center Street trailhead, and should increase pedestrian safety. The FBRTC is also working to get similar RRFBs installed at the Lake Street trailhead.
FBRTC launches petition to extend trail to Downtown Franklin!
Connecting Our Trail To Our Community
FBRTC is collecting local support for revitalizing the economic and recreational opportunities for Downtown Franklin and the surrounding communities by connecting the 1.4-mile Franklin Industrial Track with easy, convenient access to the 22-mile SNETT rail trail!
A trailhead near Downtown Franklin, at Union Street and Cottage Street, will create a healthy opportunity for everyone to safely walk, bike and be active outdoors. The attraction of trail users to the Downtown Franklin area will benefit and rejuvenate the economic activities for restaurants and retailers, improving the overall value and vibrancy of our community.
Project updates:
- With support of our state legislators, Franklin was able to secure $700,000 of state funding in FY23 for the trail extension.
- A feasibility study to assess the track conditions and best path forward is underway. Among the features being examined is the current and potential future ownership of the stretch.
SNETT Makeover In Bellingham
SNETT rail trail in Bellingham between Center Street and Main Street (Rt 126 overpass) is getting a new coat!
More information can be found here: https://www.bellinghambulletin.com/2022/07/29/407194/mass-dep-working-to-improve-1-2-mile-segment-of-snett
2021 – Year in review
Another year with Covid-19 behind us. Benefits of outdoor recreation during these unprecedented times are bringing many people to the SNETT rail trail. We have seen many different uses of the trail throughout the year, such as walking, running, hiking, biking, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, dog walking, strolling with strollers, younger kids riding their scooters or tricycles, nature watching and nature photography. We love to see everyone enjoying the trail!
Please click this LINK to read our annual report.
We are looking forward to 2022 and to your continued support, whether you volunteer with us or support us financially by becoming a member or renewing your current membership.
See you on the trail or at one of our events!
The Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee
MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN YOUR COMMUNITY
CALL FOR NOMINATIONS
The Franklin Bellingham Rail Trail Committee (FBRTC) is now accepting nominations to serve in leadership positions. Your help is critical at this time to maintain this great community resource.
What is the Mission?
The Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee (FBRTC) is a volunteer advocacy group dedicated to the development, maintenance, and financial support of the Southern New England Rail Trail as a multi-use, universally accessible recreational path.
Here is what some of our volunteers say about being involved!
Being part of the committee helps ensure the benefits of the trail are there for you and others!
How You Can Help
The committee is charged with assembling a slate of nominees for President, Vice-President, Treasurer, and Secretary. Other positions and areas to serve are also available and determined by need on an annual basis.
Any interested member is eligible to serve. Please complete the online form now to be contacted. Nominations must be received before January 10, 2022. You can also reach out to the committee directly to discuss getting involved at fbrtcommittee@gmail.com
While we hope that we are overwhelmed with nominations, we recognize that not everyone has the time to serve. FBRTC has always been a volunteer-based organization with multiple opportunities at a variety of levels. To that end, we would encourage you to fill out the interest form.
#snettphoto2021 – and the winners are…
Thank you to everyone who participated in our #snettphoto2021 contest.
The winner is Eileen Ridgway and her photo Spring in full bloom. Eileen wins $50 Think Franklin First gift card and free FBRTC membership for one year.
Second place: Valerie Turk and her photo of Triad Bridge in Millville, MA.
Third place: Michelle Delmonico and her photo of Chase on the trail walk.
Both second and third place also win a free one year FBRTC membership.
Congratulations to the winners and thank you all for participating.
All submission can be viewed here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/fbrtc/albums/72157719325371356/with/51238731386/
Thank you! – 10th Annual 5K Run/Walk
We would like to thank all 103 runners/walkers who participated in our 10th annual (this year virtual) 5K road race.
You can find the results here: https://resultscui.active.com/events/10thAnnualFBRTCVirtualTrailRace5KRunorWalk
Congratulations to the winners: Nicholas Bailey (Men’s Open), Elizabeth Hannon (Women’s Open), Stephen Sullivan (Men’s Senior), Donna Antkowiak (Women’s Senior).
We would also like to thank our race sponsors for their generous donations:
Bellezza Day Spa and Simply Skin by Angela
Castro, Thresher & Oliveira, Certified Public Accountants
And last, but not least – this race would not be possible without the hard work of our Race Committee and the Tri-Valley Front Runners. Thank you! Please visit the TVFR website for upcoming running events or to become a member.