What is a Rail-to-Trail project?
Rail-trails are multi-purpose public paths created from former railroad corridors. Flat or following a gentle grade, they traverse urban, suburban and rural America. Ideal for many uses, such as bicycling, walking, inline skating, cross-country skiing, equestrian and wheelchair use, rail-trails are extremely popular as recreation and transportation corridors. Since the 1960s, 13,150 miles of rail-trails have been created across the country. Rail-trails also serve as wildlife conservation corridors, linking isolated parks and creating greenways through developed areas, and as a means of preserving historic landmarks. They often stimulate local economies by increasing tourism and promoting local business. Find out more from the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy.
Mission Statement
The committee formed in 2004 as a sub-committee of the Board of Selectman. This advisory group is working to bring about the conversion of the abandoned MBTA rail line from the Junction in Wakefield through Reedy Meadow in Lynnfield as a linear park. Our goal is to include bicyclists, walkers, runners and environmentalists in the plan to develop an area to be enjoyed by all. The Committee is made up of concerned citizens of the Town of Wakefield who have volunteered their time and efforts to accomplish this goal as soon as possible.
Contact the Wakefield Rail-to-Trail Committee
By email:
"kevin p scott 1 -at- yahoo dot com" with no spaces
By postal mail:
Rail-to-Trail Committee
Wakefield Town Hall
One Lafayette Street
Wakefield, Massachusetts 01880
Who is on the Wakefield Rail-to-Trail Committee?
- The Committee is composed of Wakefield citizens and an appointed member of the Wakefield Board of Selectmen.
- There are no affiliations between the Committee and any business concerns, nor should any be assumed.
- Committee members were appointed by the Board of Selectmen and officers were elected at the inaugural meeting.
- Meetings are held on the second Thursday of each month. Each meeting will have an agenda, as well as an open discussion period. The Chairperson presides over the agenda and discussions.
- These are open, public meetings and published as such in the Wakefield Daily Item.
Our Committee members:
Chairman: Kevin Scott -- bicyclist, alternative transportation advocate, former Selectman
email address is "kevin p scott 1 -at- gmail dot com" with no spaces
Vice-Chairman: Emmett Halpin -- bicyclist, bicycle advocate
email address is "emmett halpin -at- comcast dot net" with no spaces
Recording Secretary: Dot Halpin -- bicycle advocate, organizational / administrative skills
email address is "toto too 02 -at- hotmail dot com" with no spaces
Paul Czarnota -- bicyclist, parent, heavy equipment operator
Kristina Hanes -- bicyclist, parent, licensed Professional Engineer
David Margolis -- parent, Civil and Environmental Engineer
Fred Marshall -- local general contractor
Daniel McCarron -- bicyclist, bicycle advocate, designer of bike path booklets
Michael McCarron -- bicyclist, bicycle advocate
Phil Posner -- bicyclist, bicycle advocate, Environmental and Land Use Lawyer
Kate Stevens -- multi-faceted concerned citizen, parent, organizational / interpersonal / computer skills
Al Turco -- Selectman appointed to committee, lawyer
Stephan Wenis -- bicyclist, alternative transportation advocate, Urban & Regional Planner
Steve Zaya -- bicyclist, bicycle advocate, Realtor