Friends of the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail

Concord River Greenway walk
2015-06-20 09:00 - 10:00 (America/New_York) | Lowell Cemetary, Lawrence Street, Lowell, MA, United States
Concord River Greenway walk in Lowell, 9 a.m. Park and meet at the Lawrence Street entrance to the Lowell Cemetery. Wear clothing appropriate for the weather and sturdy shoes. Please RSVP to jcalvin@lowelllandtrust.org or call 978-934-0030.

2015 Summer Solstice Bike Ride
2015-06-19 18:00 - 20:30 | Bedford Terminus of Minuteman Bikeway, Depot Park, Bedford, MA, United States
Summer Solstice Bike Ride, 6:00 p.m. Meet at the Bedford terminus of Minuteman Bikeway, South Road and Loomis Street. Ice cream stop in Lexington Center.
Directions to Bedford Terminus: Coming from Interstate 95 (MA-Rte 128), take exit 31B for Routes 4/225 North toward Bedford. At the fourth traffic signal (and CVS store), turn left on Loomis St. Go to end of street to intersection with South Rd. The bikeway is adjacent to the Freight House [area map]. Three trails come together at Depot Park (see area map).

Planning Meeting for Phase 2A Groundbreaking
2015-05-28 18:30 - 20:30 | NARA Park, 25 Ledge Rock Way, Acton, MA, 01720, United States
After a long, long, wait we expect the notice proceed for Phase 2A (Acton, Carlisle & Westford) construction to be issued in the next two weeks. In anticipation we will meet with at least one Town of Acton representative on Thursday May 28 at 6:30 pm at the Bathhouse Pavilion of NARA Park 25 Ledge Rock Way Acton, MA to get oriented with the NARA site and discuss logistics. The onsite meeting will be brief as mosquitoes are in abundance. We will retreat and reconvene the meeting to Pedal Power at 176 Great Road Acton, when the mosquitoes overwhelm us. There is plenty to do for volunteers: outreach, planning, solicitation of donations for food, coordination with the Town, communication with invited guests, etc (many hands make light work). If you want to get more involved with the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail, this is a good way to try it out with discrete tasks. Show up, or contact me tmichelman@gmail.com 978-580-6190 if you would like

Nobscot Village Public Workshop
2015-02-23 19:00 - 20:30 | Heritage Community Center, 747 Water Street, Framingham, MA, 01701, United States
FRAMINGHAM VILLAGE COMMERCIAL CENTERS
STRATEGIC ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PLANNING
Town of Framingham, Massachusetts
The Town of Framingham EDIC is undertaking a planning and market analysis study focused on a strategic economic development plan for the village commercial centers of Saxonville and Nobscot in North Framingham. The strategic economic development plan is focused on identifying actions that will lead to investment in both Saxonville and Nobscot. The study focuses on an area approximately one quarter mile from the main intersection of both village commercial centers.
This work is an implementation effort that was recommended in the Master Land Use Plan that was adopted by the Town in 2012. This study is to provide a comprehensive understanding of market forces and opportunities within each village commercial center and create an urban design vision to guide public sector decisions including zoning revisions, public investment and engagement with private sector owners and developers. The strategic plan looks to answer three basic questions for Saxonville and Nobscot:
•What should the village commercial center be?
•How should it look?
•How do we get there?
The Town of Framingham solicited requests for proposals for professional assistance by a land use planning, economic development and urban design consultant to lead this effort. The Cecil Group, a planning and design firm located in Boston, was selected with their economic development subconsultant FXM Associates.
The consultant team will seek input from the community to better understand the issues and opportunities of the study areas and to identify a shared community vision for the village centers to help shape economic development strategies. This public outreach will include stakeholder interviews, presentations at EDIC regular meetings, and three public meetings in each village center.
The planning study is expected to be complete by the end of June 2015. The following schedule provides expected timeframes for key milestones in the planning process:
•Initial Public Meetings- February 2015
•Alternative Approaches Public Meetings- April 2015
•Final Public Meetings- June 2015

Sudbury Rail Trail Project Forum
2015-01-22 19:00 - 21:00 | Town Hall, Sudbury, MA, 01776, United States
From https://sudbury.ma.us/pcd/2014/12/22/rails-to-trails-public-forum/
The Town of Sudbury Board of Selectmen will be hosting a public forum on Sudbury’s rail trail projects on Thursday, January 22, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. at Town Hall. The Board, along with Town Staff and the Town’s consultant VHB, a leading engineering firm in rail trails across New England, will be in attendance to offer a brief background presentation and provide the current status of the two potential rail trails in Sudbury – the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail and the Wayside Branch of the Mass Central Rail Trail. Following the presentation the forum will allow for significant time for comments from the public.
The Forum will be televised on Sudbury TV and residents are welcome to submit questions during the event at townforum@sudbury.ma.us. (Please be sure to put “Rail Trail Forum” in the subject line of your email, and to include your name and address for the public record.)
We hope to see everyone there!

White Pond Public Forum
2015-01-21 18:45 - 21:30 | Harvey Wheeler Community Center, West Concord, MA, 01742, United States
On Wednesday January 21, 2015, the Concord Board of Selectmen will sponsor a Public Forum focused on the White Pond area. The Forum will be held in the auditorium of the Harvey Wheeler Community Center from 6:45 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. There are several purposes of the Forum: to share recent information gathered as part of the White Pond Watershed Management Plan project and the seasonal parking issues study, as well as the current status of the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail design; to clarify community and neighborhood concerns and issues; to obtain public input and ideas of possible solutions; and to clarify the decision making process and identify future actions.

Please attend this meeting to learn more about the current status of the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail design in Concord and to show your support for the trail.

Friends of the BFRT Annual Meeting
2014-11-16 14:00 - 16:00 | Pedal Power Bike & Ski, 176 Great Road, Acton, MA, 01720, United States
Celebrating the 5th Anniversary of the Opening of Phase 1 & Friends Annual Meeting. Light refreshments will be served.

2014 Massachusetts Trails Conference “Trails For All”
2014-11-08 | Double Tree Hotel and Conference Center, Leominster, MA, United States
The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) in partnership with the Massachusetts Recreational Trail Advisory Board (MARTAB) presents the 2014 Massachusetts Trails Conference to be held on Saturday, November 8, 2014 at the Double Tree Hotel and Conference Center in Leominster. The conference is funded through the Recreational Trails Program, a grant program which supports motorized and non-motorized trail construction and enhancement across the Commonwealth.
To Register for the Conference, Click This Link: http://www.cvent.com/d/84qt7z/4W
Please join the Massachusetts trail community for a day of learning, sharing, networking and, new to this year, opportunities for fieldtrips and getting your hands dirty out on the trails!
Keynote Speaker: Janet Zeller, Accessibility Program Manager for the USDA Forest Service. Janet has worked in the field of accessibility for two decades and has helped develop and implement accessibility programs and policies at all levels of the agency. She also teaches accessibility and universal design for programs and facilities at a wide range of training sessions nationally.
16 Sessions offered in four time blocks, including:
· Sustainable Trail Design
· Negotiating Trail Easements
· Wetland Regulations, Conservation Commissions and Trails
· Rail Trails: Corridor Acquisitions, Trail Surface & Other Design Considerations
· OHV Trail Design
· Urban Trails: Challenges and Successes
· Dogs on Trails: Etiquette, Safety, Training
· Trail Planning and Visions
· Unique Approaches to Getting People Out On Trails
· Long Distance Trails Updates
· OHV Policy in Massachusetts
· Trail Mapping
· And, More!
New! Field trips led by experienced trail professionals to:
· The completed Doyle Community Park and Center Accessible Trail and the Barrett Park Accessible Trail, just beginning construction
· Wachusett Mountain State Reservation’s recent accessibility upgrade at the summit of the mountain and the on-going stone work on the Pine Hill Trail.
New! Hands-On outdoor workshops led by experienced trail professionals:

· Boardwalk Building at Barrett Park: Two groups will discuss the planning and permitting process, and then construct ½ of a 40-foot boardwalk.
Who Should Attend: Trail planners, advocates, managers, users, land trusts, conservation commissions, friends groups and volunteers interested in creating, managing and promoting sustainable trails for healthy communities.
Registration:
There is a registration fee of $40 for each participant. Food and beverages will be provided throughout the day, including lunch. Please bring additional water if you will be attending one of the outdoor/field sessions, as well as appropriate clothing and protection. The outdoor sessions will be held, rain or shine, so please be prepared.
TO REGISTER: Online registration is available at http://www.cvent.com/d/84qt7z/4W
Please be prepared with credit card for the conference registration fee payment. If you are unable to register online, please call the Registration Administrator at 802-865-5202 or email info@delaneymeetingevent.com.

Bruce Freeman Rail Trail Phase 2A - Public Information Forum on Project Status
2014-10-27 19:00 - 21:00 | Acton Town Hall – Room 204, 472 Main Street, Acton, 01720, United States
On Saturday September 13, 2014 MassDOT advertised Phase 2A for bid for construction. Estimated project cost is $9,515,000. Bids are due January 13, 2015. Phase 2A is the 4.9 miles continuation of Phase 1 from Routes 225 and 27 in Westford, south through Carlisle into Acton ending in East Acton at Teamworks. Given the January 2015 bid opening we expect construction start in spring 2015 and likely construction finish in late summer / fall 2016. Among other specifications, the project includes 6 bridge refurbishments and one overpass over Great Road / Route 2A in Acton.
The Friends of the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail (FBFRT) will be hosting a public information forum – “How Phase 2A of the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail got to the request for bids for construction milestone, and what is expected to happen next”.
If you live in a Phase 2A town (Acton, Carlisle, Westford) you will learn about the design process, and what will be built. If you live in a Phase 2B, 2C, 2D town (Acton, Concord or Sudbury) or any other community that has a MassDOT dormant railroad right-of-way, you will pick up some lessons learned and will be much better informed on how the end game design process works for rail trails.
The forum is free. Light refreshments will be provided by the FBFRT. Look out for our ground-breaking event in the spring of 2015.

Public Input Session - Chelmsford Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee
2014-10-16 19:00 - 21:00 | Chelmsford Police Department Meeting Room, 2 Olde North Road, Chelmsford, MA, 01824, United States
Thursday, October 16, 2014 -7:00-9:00 PM
Open Discussion Regarding the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan :
Discuss bike amenities in town
Discuss Pedestrian Amenities in town
Present and future needs for Bicyclists and Pedestrians
Recommendations
Short and long term goals
Public input appreciated
Chelmsford Police Department
Meeting Room
2 Olde North Road
Chelmsford, MA 01824
(Note- please do not park in upper level of the Police Station Lot)

4th Annual Ride for Liv
2014-07-20 10:00 - 12:00 | Westford 4H Fairgrounds, Westford, MA, United States
“THE RIDE/RUN FOR LIV” Honors OLIVIA MARCHAND and raises awareness of domestic violence in our communities. Proceeds will go to Domestic Violence Services Network, Inc. (DVSN). PROVIDING support to victims in controlling and abusive relationships.
“The Ride for Liv” Fundraiser presented by the Live for Liv Foundation on Sunday, July 20 starting at the 4 H Grounds in Westford – 51 S. Chelmsford Rd. – off Rt. 110 or off Rt 27.
Rain or Shine
Registration and donation information, cue sheets and maps are available at http://www.LiveForLiv.com . All riders who register by 7/14/13 receive a free t-shirt
Two Different Rides: Start/Finish: 4H Fairgrounds in Westford (51 S. Chelmsford Rd.)
23 Mile Ride: Check in 9:30AM/Ride Starts at 10AM – Ride along the picturesque back roads of Westford, Chelmsford, Concord, Carlisle and Acton.
Family 6 Mile Ride: Check in 10:30AM/Ride Starts at 11AM -Ride includes a portion of the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail
5K Run/Walk: Check in 10:30 at the 4 H Grounds. AM/Run/Walk Starts at 11AM
Join us for family fun after the ride at the Westford 4 H Gounds including:
BBQ Lunch • Make Your Own Sundaes • Face Painting • Games • Raffles
BBQ provided by Bianco Catering Company/ Ice cream provided by Sullivan Farms.
Bathrooms and changing areas on site; ample free parking available

July 4th Parade - Sudbury, MA
2014-07-04 13:00 - 15:00 | MA
Sudbury’s July 4th parade is coming up in just a few days. For several years, rail trail supporters in Sudbury have joined the parade with the goal of urging Town officials and residents to move forward with the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail. This year, the Town took a momentous step forward in approving funds for the design of the rail trail.
This year, we will be joining the parade to celebrate this great step forward. Please come join the parade. There is nothing for you to do except ride your bicycle or walk with the Friends group from Route 20 to Town center. We will gather on Union Avenue in the sectiion designated group 4. Look for the BFRT banner and signs on the telephone poles for group 4. We will assemble around 12:30 pm with the official start of the parade being 1:00 pm. A bus will be running back and forth between Union Ave. and Town center both before and after the parade.
Contact Dick Williamson 978-618-5475 or email williamson@alum.mit.edu

July 4th Picnic in the Park | Concord, MA | Volunteer Opportunity
2014-07-04 10:00 - 15:00 | Emerson Field, Concord, MA, United States
Help the Friends of the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail staff a table at Concord’s Picnic in the Park celebration. We need volunteers to help set up the tent and staff the table.
Contact:Barbara Pike bbpike@aol.com 978-369-0437

Old Home Day | Carlisle, MA | Volunteer Opportunity
2014-06-28 09:00 - 17:00 | Carlisle Old Home Day, Carlisle, MA, United States
Help the Friends of the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail staff a table at Carlisle’s Old Home Day, Saturday, June 28, 2014.
Contact Alan Cameron alancameron@comcast.net 978-369-2223.

Summer Solstice Bike Ride
2014-06-21 18:00 - 20:00 | Chelmsford Center for the Arts, 4 North Road, Chelmsford , MA, United States
Meet at Chelmsford Center for the Arts, (formerly Old Town Hall), 4 North Road (Rte. 4), Chelmsford. There is parking at the Chelmsford Center for the Arts. You can ride the entire trail or a shorter ride if you prefer. We will head to the southern terminus and then return. As desired we can do the rest of the trail to the north. After the ride we will retire to a restaurant / bar. A map of the trail is found here: http://www.brucefreemanrailtrail.org/pdf/BFRT-Map-2011-11.pdf

Lowell Greenway Tour
2014-06-20 09:00 - 11:00 | Lowell Cemetary, Lawrence Street, Lowell, MA, United States
Join the Lowell Parks & Conservation Trust for a 2-hour tour of the Concord River Greenway. Wear clothing appropriate for the weather and sturdy shoes. Meet at the Lawrence Street entrance to the Lowell Cemetery at 9:00 am. Please RSVP to gwen@lowelllandtrust.org or call 978-934-0030.

Finley's Fighters 5K run/walk, 1 mile fun run
2014-06-08 13:00 - 16:00 | Byam School, 25 Maple Road, Chelmsford, MA, 01824, United States
A 5K run/walk to benefit Finley’s Fighters. For more information about this event visit: http://www.finleyfighters.com/

Pan Mass Challenge Kids Ride Chelmsford-Westford
2014-06-01 08:30 - 12:00 | Byam Elementary School, 25 Maple Road, Chelmsford, MA, 01824, United States
Event to raise funds to help Dana-Farber Cancer Institute care for patients and find new ways to cure cancer.

Paws New England Run for Shelter Race to benefit Paws New England
2014-05-18 09:00 - 13:00 | Byam School Parking Lot, 25 Maple Road, Chelmsford, MA, 01824, United States
5K Road Race on the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail to benefit Paws New England

Walgreens Fourth Annual Dog Rally/Walk-a-Thon
2014-05-10 10:00 - 14:00 | Across from Walgreens, 86 Chelmsford Street, Chelmsford, MA, MA, United States
A fund raising event to benefit the Chelmsford Dog Association.
http://www.chelmsforddogassociation.org/2014/walgreens-fourth-annual-dog-rally-and-walk-a-thon/

Railroads in Sudbury
2014-03-02 14:00 - 16:00 | Upper Town Hall, 322 Concord Road, Sudbury, MA, 01776, United States
Knowledgeable Railroad Enthusiasts will tell of the two railroads that served Sudbury.

Annual Meeting of the Friends of the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail
2013-11-24 14:00 - 16:00 | Pedal Power Bike & Ski, 176 Great Road (Rt. 2A), Acton, MA, 01720, United States
Come celebrate an extraordinary year of progress for the BFRT!
After a brief business meeting and update on the “Bring the Trail to Sudbury” campaign, we will visit the future site of the East Acton Village Green abutting Icehouse Pond.
Light refreshments will be served.

Creating Healthy Communities with Designs that Stick
2013-11-21 14:00 - 16:00 | Congregation Beth Elohim, 133 Prospect St, Acton, MA, 01720, United States
Join us on Thursday, November 21st at 2:00 pm for Creating Healthy Communities with Designs that Stick. Learn how to build a healthy community with Walkable Communities Expert, Mark Fenton. This event is co-sponsored by Community Health Network Area 15 and the Friends of the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail and will take place at Congregation Beth Elohim, 133 Prospect St, Acton, MA. Learn about healthy community design and easy steps to creating walking- and biking-friendly towns and cities. To reserve your seat or for more information: call 508-222-8174 or email chna15coordinator@gmail.com.

Walk Towards a Cure | JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation)
2013-09-29 10:00 - 13:00 | Byam School Parking Lot, Maple Street, Chelmsford, MA, United States

Ride for Liv Run for Liv
2013-07-21 09:30 - 15:00 | 4H Fairgrounds/Bruce Freeman Rail Trail, Westford, MA, United States
THE RIDE FOR LIV RUN FOR LIV Honors OLIVIA MARCHAND And Raises awareness of domestic violence in our communities. Proceeds will go to a shelter supporting victims of domestic violence and the Live for Liv foundation. http://www.liveforliv.com/events.php

Volunteer Opportunity: Concord Picnic in the Park
2013-07-04 | Emerson Field, Concord, MA, United States
Join the Friends of the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail at our information table at Picnic in the Park. Contact Concord – Barbara Pike bbpike@aol.com 978-369-0437

Volunteer Opportunity: Sudbury Fourth of July Parade
2013-07-04 | July 4th Parade, Sudbury, MA, 01776, United States
Join the Friends of the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail in the annual July 4th Parade in Sudbury. We needs lots of volunteers to carry signs and banners and to pass out trail brochures. Please contact Sudbury – Dick Williamson

Volunteer Opportunity - Carlisle Old Home Day
2013-06-29 | Unnamed Venue, Carlisle, MA, United States
Join the Friends of the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail at Carlisle Old Home Day to help staff our table. Contact Alan Cameron alancameron@comcast.net 978-369-2223 for more information.

FBFRT Annual Summer Solstice Ride
2013-06-21 18:00 - 21:00 | Chelmsford Center for the Arts, Chelmsford, MA, United States
Meet at Chelmsford Center for the Arts (formerly Old Town Hall)
4 North Road (Rt. 4). Enjoy a ride along the trail in June.

Finley's Fighters 5K run/walk, 10K run and 1 mile fun run
2013-06-15 09:00 - 14:00 | Byam School, Chelmsford, MA, United States
Date: June 15, 2013
Location: Byam School
