FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 10/12/2025
For further information, contact:
Susan Scully Petroni
City of Framingham Public Information Officer
spetroni@framinghamma.gov
508-782-8629
City of Framingham Awarded $100,000 MassTrails Grant From Commonwealth
FRAMINGHAM - The City of Framingham has been awarded a $100,000 MassTrails grant to construct the middle section of the Carol Getchell accessible trail along the federally designated Wild and Scenic Sudbury River.
The project has also received $30,000 from the Solomon Foundation, bringing total funding to $130,000.
Ron Chick, an accessible trail advocate, initiated the grant application with strong support from City of Framingham Mayor Charlie Sisitsky, demonstrating the community’s commitment to creating inclusive outdoor spaces for all residents and visitors.
“This funding is a major step forward in providing people of all abilities access to one of our most treasured natural resources,” said Mayor Charlie Sisitsky. “The Carol Getchell Trail will ensure that everyone can experience the beauty of the Sudbury River corridor.”
The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced $7.5 million will be awarded through the MassTrails grant program to support 50 trail projects that will improve and expand the trail network across Massachusetts earlier this month, including Framingham. This funding will create 60 miles of new recreational trails, making it easier for residents to access and enjoy outdoor spaces.
The MassTrails program provides matching grants to communities, public entities, individuals, Native nations, and non-profit organizations. These grants help fund the planning, creation, and maintenance of trails suitable for a variety of outdoor activities, including walking, running, hiking, cycling, skiing, horseback riding, and off-road vehicle use. This year’s projects also focus on making trails more accessible for everyone.
Governor Maura Healey said, "Trails are more than just paths through the woods. They bring people into town to eat at local restaurants, stay in small hotels and shop at small businesses. When we invest in trails, we’re investing in jobs, tourism and the local businesses that keep Massachusetts moving forward."
Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll added, "As a former mayor, I saw how trail networks bring communities together in a real, practical way. They connect neighborhoods, parks and downtowns, making it easier for people to walk, bike and spend time outdoors. Our trails help strengthen community pride and make our towns more connected and accessible for everyone."
Representative Jack Patrick Lewis said, "Trails bring people together and connect us with one another. I am grateful to the City of Framingham and so many dedicated volunteers for working to preserve, expand, and create trails across our city and region. My bulldog and I look forward to experiencing the updates that this grant will mean for the Carol Getchell Trail in the years ahead."
Carol Jane Getchell was a prominent figure in Framingham, serving as the Principal of Stapleton Elementary School for 27 years from 1971 until her retirement in 1998.
She was also a founding member of the Friends of Saxonville, dedicated to promoting the community's history and culture. She passed away in 2001, and in her memory, the Carol J. Getchell Nature Trail was established, following the Sudbury River and honoring her contributions to the community.
City of Framingham Director of Planning Sarkis Sarkisian noted, "Every time the City of Framingham has applied for a MassTrails grant, the Commonwealth has supported our efforts. These funds help make meaningful improvements to our community’s trail network."
City of Framingham Grants Manager Meghan Todd, said, "As we pursue multiple trail projects across the city for our residents, we are grateful for this third-generation MassTrails grant award for this project as we work to complete the Carol Getchell Trail with their support.”
Ron Chick said, "It’s incredibly rewarding to see this project move forward. Accessible trails are more than paths through the woods, they are pathways to community, health, and enjoyment for everyone, regardless of ability. This grant is a major step in making the Carol Getchell Trail fully accessible."
Herb Nolan, Executive Director of the Solomon Foundation said "Congratulations to Mayor Sisitsky, Ron Chick, and all who are working to rebuild the Carol Getchell Trail with full access for all. Despite federal cutbacks, the MassTrails grant program was fully funded this year, which will keep the momentum going on trails across the state. I love the fact that this trail was first built by a Boy Scout group decades ago and that it unlocks access to one of Eastern Massachusetts’ few Wild and Scenic Rivers."
The City of Framingham was eligible for grant funding as it was compliant with the MBTA Communities Act.
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