By Joan F. Simoneau, Community Reporter
Marlborough – A draft concept plan for a 26-mile trail, “Panther Trail,” connecting the city’s parks, public grounds and open space in one loop extending throughout the city, was unveiled at the Dec. 15 City Council meeting. Mayor Arthur Vigeant credited Conservation Officer Priscilla Ryder, the Council’s Open Space Committee, “and the work of many volunteers for creating the innovative recreational opportunity.”
Ryder is also working with a group of volunteers from Marlborough, Northborough, Southborough and Westborough to create a 30-mile recreational trail link between their locations, named the “Boroughs Community Trail Loop,” which will also include the new designated areas.
“The Panther Trail” will connect many of the city’s open space and recreation locations including the Assabet River Rail Trail, Ghiloni Park, Callahan State Park, Sudbury Reservoir Watershed land, Lake Williams, Felton Conservation land and Millham Reservoir.
“The vision is to have the trail marked with signage that identifies it for a well-guided walk,” said Ryder in her communication to the mayor.
Several sections of the designated area are already in place where it connects into existing trails and sidewalks, but other sections will need to be built by scouts and volunteers, according to Ryder. Councilors voted to send the plan to the Open Space Committee.