The Trails Committee on Thursday approved 4-0 to request Community Preservation Committee funds for a proposal to create a child-friendly segment at Hughes Farm Trail.

Scott Knous, a member of the recently disbanded Upper Charles Trail Committee, came to the board with a slide presentation and information he gleaned from conversations with families at Hopkinton Family Day on Sept. 14.

“The objective is to use Meadow Loop to create a child-friendly trail segment that would be fun and active for kids and families,” he explained. “We want to make sure the activities are appealing and accessible for all children, targeting ages 3-11.”

Knous stressed that this was not meant to “denigrate the peacefulness of the meadow” but would enhance it by blending in with it. In addition, the Hopkinton Area Land Trust, which holds the conservation restriction on the land, requires that all materials used be natural.

Because many of the materials can be found on site, the project should be relatively inexpensive to complete, he added. By using volunteer labor, Knous anticipated that, if approved, the project could be completed by June 2025. He estimated a maximum cost of $8,000.

“We really want to, as best as possible, have a broad array of activities of all abilities,” he stressed, including children who are neurodivergent.

Chair Peter LaGoy walked the site with Knous in August, which led to the kid-friendly concept. Since then, Knous has talked with more than 20 adults and 40 children about what they would like to see there. He also reached out to the Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) and a children’s care center in Westborough that has a similar concept on its grounds.

The top choice for both boys and girls was a balance beam, Knous said. A fort that could be climbed on was preferred by boys. Older children expressed an interest in a rock roll. A popular idea overall was for an overlook with a tunnel underneath that would connect the meadow with the Hughes Farm Trail. A log jump, a music-making structure and a telescope also were requested.

Member Chuck Dauchy noted that local sculptors possibly could assist on the project. One suggestion member Linda Chuss had was for a wooden turtle that kids could climb.

Also proposed was a stone dust or grass connector from the middle of Meadow Loop to the Hughes Trail. Knous envisioned four stations of kid-friendly activities around Meadow Loop.

Chuss questioned whether natural lumber would deteriorate after a few years as opposed to pressure-treated lumber. LaGoy, Dauchy and Knous suggested species of trees that would be sturdy enough to last for many years but also could easily be replaced.

LaGoy said he wanted to reach out to the Legacy Farms community for its input. Safety and accessibility were other concerns mentioned.

The board voted 4-0 to draft a proposal to request funds from the Community Preservation Committee.

Added Knous: “If this idea is successful, I’d love to plant the seed and be able to do this maybe on the other side of town.”

Committee goals discussed as its dissolution looms

Committee members discussed their goals and ongoing projects in the hope that they will continue once the committee is dissolved and a new trails committee is formed.

On Sept. 17, the Select Board voted to immediately disband the UCTC. It is allowing the Trails Committee to work on its existing projects until a new trails committee is created that would encompass both local trails and the creation of the Upper Charles Trail. When the new committee is established, the current one will be dissolved. Members from each committee can apply to the new committee, and members will be appointed by the Select Board.

Town Manager Elaine Lazarus is expected to present a draft of the proposed structure of the new trails committee at next Tuesday’s Select Board meeting.

Chuss asked what would happen to the CPC funds that previously had been allocated to the UCTC before its activities were put on hold last year. LaGoy said his understanding was that Lazarus was checking with town counsel to see if the $40,000 legally could be transferred to the new committee.

The Trails Committee has been working on several projects. Trail signs designed for four trails to be used on a trial basis are being ordered. A form for trail issues is going to be added to the committee’s page on the town website along with the names of additional trails.

LaGoy announced that the fitness equipment that was slated to be used as part of a Scout project has been received after supply chain delays. The equipment will be installed off Center Trail, just north of the Loop Road intersection. On Saturday, Oct. 5, the site will be prepared as part of the committee’s monthly volunteer project.

Originally proposed in September 2023 as an Eagle Scout project by Srivar Yerramsetti, the project includes installation of a sit-up bench, pull-up bars, horizontal bars and a balance beam.

As far as the Upper Charles Trail goes, LaGoy said “some segments could be developed rather quickly.” He noted that a trail from the Chamberlain Street extension to the Lumber Street business area likely would service more people than a segment from East Main Street to Hopkinton State Park. A larger committee would be able to tackle different aspects of trail development and land acquisition. The allocation of the $40,000 would factor into any decisions.

Added LaGoy: “The key is in prioritizing and not biting off too much.”