Good morning, Hopkinton! Welcome to the daily update we call Hopkinton Today — a quick recap of yesterday’s news, highlights of what’s on tap, and a photo of the day.

Scouts install exercise equipment on trail as part of Eagle project

Rishit Lalchandani (center left, wearing sunglasses) and volunteers pose for a photo while installing exercise equipment on Center Trail earlier this year.

Thanks to the completion of an Eagle Scout project by Troop 1 Hopkinton and other volunteers, residents now have the opportunity to do strength training while walking local trails.

Troop 1 recently completed the installation of exercise equipment on Center Trail. The equipment — which includes a pull-up bar, a dual exercise bar and a sit-up bench — is located near an intersection between the trail and a path leading to the high school athletic fields.

According to Life Scout Rishit Lalchandani, who orchestrated the equipment installation as part of his Eagle Scout project, installing everything was a two-day event.

Lalchandani and a group of about 20 people spent the first day unpacking and assembling everything, as well as digging holes in which to set the equipment. Day two involved lugging in, preparing and pouring concrete to set everything in place and putting up signs.

“We also put some mulch around the equipment to cover up everything,” Lalchandani added.

As to why the 15-year-old picked the exercise equipment as his Eagle Scout project, he gave two reasons. First, he took the project over from another Scout who had been unable to get it done due to time constraints, and the equipment had been waiting to be installed for two years.

“The troop needed to get it done,” he explained, noting that there had been a two-year delay from the time the equipment was obtained to when it was installed.

Lalchandani also said he found the project fascinating and saw the value in providing opportunities for exercise near several of Hopkinton’s school buildings.

“[It’s] interesting to have a place to work out near the school,” Lalchandani said.

The project now is complete, save some signage to let the public know the exercise area is ready for use. He also hinted that other Scouts might install additional equipment in the future, such as a balance beam.

Latest News

The Hopkinton High School softball team started its postseason run strong with a 13-4 victory over Shepherd Hill on Monday, and boys tennis posted its second win in the Division 2 state tournament.

Our latest Schools Notebook features a local winner of the National Merit Scholarship and a number of Hopkinton collegians recognized for their academic success.

This week’s Real Estate Transactions list shows four homes sold, two of which were over $1 million.

The latest Library Corner features information on a live rainforest animal show, science programs for kids and upcoming library meetings.

The Hopkinton Center for the Arts is hosting its free Sunday Jazz Jam this Sunday. The event features an hour-long concert and a public jam session for amateurs and professionals of all ages and talents.

Town meetings tonight include the Select Board (6), Water & Sewer Advisory Board (6), Conservation Commission (7) and Historical Commission (7).

Photo of the Day

White flowers bloom in trees near the Legacy Farms housing development.

PHOTO/AMIT JAGDALE