- Department of Conservation & Recreation
Media Contact
Ilyse Wolberg, DCR Deputy Communications Director
BOSTON — The Healey-Driscoll Administration today 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. 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.
"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," said Governor Maura Healey. “When we invest in trails, we’re investing in jobs, tourism and the local businesses that keep Massachusetts moving forward.”
“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,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “Our trails help strengthen community pride and make our towns more connected and accessible for everyone.”
This program is an important part of the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s Mass Ready Act, which addresses the need to invest in local economies while protecting water and nature. With $3 billion in funding, the Mass Ready Act aims to revitalize state parks, trails, beaches, and historic sites.
“I use the trails almost every day. It’s where I clear my head, get some exercise and feel connected to the place I live,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “Having safe, clean spaces to walk, bike, and commute, makes a real difference. It’s good for our health, it cuts down on traffic pollution, and it helps protect the land and air we all share.”
“Trails connect people – to nature, to their neighbors, and to opportunities for recreation and wellness,” said DCR Commissioner Nicole LaChapelle. “What’s exciting about our MassTrails program is these trails mean safer walks to school, a more accessible path to work, or a new way to explore your community’s natural resources. This funding is going to improve the quality of life for residents across Massachusetts and preserve access to the outdoors for future generations.”
This year’s grant recipients are working on projects in the following municipalities: Arlington, Ashburnham, Ashby, Barre, Belchertown, Bellingham, Bernardston, Blackstone, Billerica, Boston, Cambridge, Clinton, Dartmouth, Dunstable, Egremont, Everett, Fairhaven, Fall River, Fitchburg, Florida, Foxborough, Framingham, Franklin, Freetown, Gardner, Great Barrington, Groton, Hadley, Holden, Holyoke, Hudson, Lawrence, Lynnfield, Medford, Mendon, Monroe, Montague, Monterey, New Bedford, New Braintree, Northampton, Northfield, Oakham, Oxford, Palmer, Peabody, Plymouth, Quincy, Raynham, Royalston, Rutland, Savoy, Somerville, Southampton, Spencer, Sterling, Townsend, Wakefield, Watertown, Westminster, Westport, West Boylston, Williamstown, Winchendon, Worcester, and Wrentham. A complete list of all projects, as well as the total funding awarded to each, can be found here.
All grant applications are reviewed by the inter-agency MassTrails Team, which is comprised of representatives from MassDOT, EEA, DCR, and the Massachusetts Recreational Trails Advisory Board (MARTAB). Projects related to recreational trails are eligible for up to $100,000 in funding while share-use path projects can receive up to $500,000.
For more information on the MassTrails Grant Program and updates on trail development across Massachusetts, visit the MassTrails Grants webpage.
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Media Contact
Department of Conservation & Recreation
The health and happiness of people across Massachusetts depends on the accessibility and quality of our natural resources, recreational facilities, and great historic landscapes. DCR continues to improve the vital connection between people and the environment.