The Trails Committee at its meeting Wednesday night examined its vision for the future and what its priorities will be, including finding ways for children to be engaged in using trails.

Chair Peter LaGoy said there are about 25 miles of single-track trails on town. But the shared-use paths like the Center Trail, the Hughes Farm trail and the Echo Farm trail are more widely used. Members said that is in part because there is ample parking.

“The thought is our clients, if you will, are the overall town of Hopkinton,” he explained. “So maybe we ought to be focusing direction.”

LaGoy described the idea of a shared-use path going from Chamberlain Street to the Berry Acres Conservation Area and out to West Main Street as “a no-brainer” that would benefit cross-country runners as well as walkers.

Another idea he had was having a trail at the field behind Hughes with “large climbing rocks” and logs on which children could play and walk. Vice chair Chuck Dauchy noted that the maintenance of that area would have to be determined, as well as whether it was considered a recreation area or a trail with those amenities.

“A natural playscape would be really appealing,” said member Krisanne Connell.

Member Fran DeYoung noted that there is a lot of traffic congestion at EMC Park, particularly during Little League season. Having an activity for kids at Hughes would be great for the overflow of people to the area. The committee potentially could apply for Community Preservation Committee funding for the project.

Connell suggested a kids trail activity like the monthly story walk behind the library, noting that the library could potentially collaborate with the committee on the project.

Dauchy added that the town’s recent acquisition of the Colella property could lead to new trails there that could be enjoyed by adults and children.

Said LaGoy: “I sort of see this as a next step to introducing the kids to trails and get the parents and the kids out there moving in a way that both are going to have a good time.”

This project could be one of the main goals of the Trails Committee over the next year. Secretary Linda Chuss said that examples of expanded trail use could be part of a “baby master plan.” This would help the committee prioritize projects and lead to a longer-term master plan.

The ultimate goals of the trails, she added, are to enjoy and preserve nature, encourage outdoor exercise, provide access to all potential users and encourage trail connectivity.

Coordination with other boards and committees was stressed as a goal by all members, particularly in regard to connectivity. Members hoped to improve collaboration with the Open Space Preservation Commission, the Planning Board and the Department of Public Works, among others, to see how their interests align and make them aware of the committee’s top projects. This would be helpful considering the desire of several entities for land acquisition.

Connectivity was a goal of the Planning Board over the past year. Chuss said creating connections could lead to longer and more challenging trails for long-distance runners and mountain bikers.

LaGoy mentioned Lexington’s “ACROSS Lexington” trail network as a model. ACROSS is an acronym for Accessing Conservation land, Recreation areas, Open spaces, Schools and Streets. The trails connect town landmarks with schools and conservation areas.

Another committee priority is creating a trail that connects the apartments on Lumber Street toward the school complex into the downtown area. LaGoy mentioned the need for a trail connection to the Southborough commuter rail station for people who don’t have cars. Dauchy brought up the need for a trail connecting Legacy Farms to the town center.

Dauchy suggested quarterly meetings with committees and boards with similar goals to facilitate cooperation and knowledge sharing.

DeYoung said he was impressed with this “very healthy discussion.”

Trial tail signage approved

The committee voted 5-0 to approve a design for trial signage that is light brown in color. The signs would be placed at the Pratt Trail and Hughes Farm Trail. If they work well in attracting more people to these trails, the program can be expanded.

Officers reelected in 4-0 vote

The previous slate of officers was reelected in a 4-0 vote. LaGoy, a six-time chair of the Trails Committee, was reelected to a seventh and final term as chair, as members are limited to serving three three-year terms. Dauchy will continue as vice chair, while Chuss was voted to serve as secretary. Janine LeBlanc, who did not attend the meeting, was reelected treasurer.