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Date: 11/23/2020
EASTHAMPTON – A project to add new trails and open spaces on Mount Tom with received a final grant that will allow for its completion. The purpose of the new space is improved inclusion and access to the city’s natural resources.
The project, which has been underway since early 2018, consists of five major pieces, starting with a new parking lot area on East Street, with the expectation of fitting up to 10 cars. The formal trailhead will be an area for people to get ready, along with a kiosk that includes a map and information about the trail. One of the main parts of this project is a handicapped accessible trail that will begin at the trailhead and continue up through the woods to a gathering area. This will be 5 feet wide, running 2,200 feet in length.
At the top, a gathering area will consist of picnic tables and a lookout area over the Oxbow. Other trails branch from the top of Mount Tom, leading to Little Mountain; a moderate hike. People can also get to the New England Scenic Trail, which is a more rigorous travel for experienced hikers, spanning between six and seven miles.
Easthampton Mayor Nicole LaChapelle said, “The trail on Mount Tom is a part of our older plan to preserve and create the Mount Tom viewshed. All communities have resources, but the most important ones are natural resources. To lose viewshed without public access would be a tragedy.”
Jeff Bagg, Easthampton’s city planner, said, “When the property became available, we talked to the owner, looked at it and bought it. We applied for funds and $400,000 was put towards this.” Now, the city has received the Parkland Acquisitions Renovations for Communities (PARC) Grant and CPA funds of $380,000. In total, nearly $800,000 has been put into this project across 22 acres of land.
Easthampton has partnered with Kestrel Land Trust, along with Pascommuck Conservation Trust. The city and Kestrel has been one of the biggest partnerships, as Conservation and Stewardship Manager Mark Wamsley has played a vital role in the production.
“Our vision was to buy land, make available and be of use to the public. The PARC Program likes to see projects where there’s a vision and the projects are happening,” said Bagg.
Bagg’s role in this production includes bringing partners together and exploring funding options. He ensures that they’re satisfying both the city and state funding. Parks and Recreation oversees the entire project, but Bagg is the one who “puts together the pieces of this puzzle,” he said. Bagg was responsible for hiring a landscape architectural firm, Dodson and Flinker, last year. They have created maps, drawings and provided cost estimates.
“The PARC Grant will help create final drawings and sketches. Construction drawings will happen over the winter,” Bagg informed Reminder Publishing. Once this is squared away, contractors will begin bidding in May. Contractors will be selected in June and required to begin construction by July.
In a recent survey that was sent out to members of the community regarding open space, results show that 75 percent of the people are going outside more and making use of the available space due to the pandemic. “We hope to create more open space as we go,” said Bagg.
LaChapelle added, “Mount Tom really adds true, strong value to Easthampton. It brings down any barrier provided by municipal, regional and state governments. It’s a great project that allows anyone to get on Mount Tom and enjoy it.”
The people of Easthampton have something very special to look forward to in 2021, she added. “Everyone can enjoy this amazing view for generations to come. It puts a smile on your face, especially during this time- brings brighter days,” said LaChapelle.
Additional information on the Mount Tom Trail can be found at Mass.gov.