Newly accessible Framingham MA nature trail adds boardwalk, bridges

Beth McDermott, Reporter assisted by AI

Tue, January 13, 2026 at 10:30 AM UTC

2 min read

Framingham residents have new options for accessible outdoor recreation with the recent completion of work on the north and south sections of the Carol Getchell Nature Trail, according to a community announcement.

The updated trail features ADA-compliant pathways designed to accommodate wheelchairs, walkers and strollers. These improvements connect the community to the Sudbury River corridor, providing opportunities for nature observation, environmental education and recreation.

Mayor Charlie Sisitsky praised the project’s focus on inclusivity and environmental stewardship.

“The Carol Getchell Nature Trail improvements reflect Framingham’s commitment to inclusivity and environmental stewardship,” he said in a statement.

More: Several MetroWest communities benefit from more than $12M in MassTrails grants

The project was funded through a combination of city funding, state grants, private contributions and community partnerships. The City of Framingham’s Community Preservation Act program provided primary funding, supplemented by MassTrails grants, the Solomon Foundation, Friends of Saxomville and volunteer support, according to the announcement.

Details of the Carol Getchell Nature Trail work

The first phase, called the Universally Accessible Walking Trail, Carol Getchell (CPA23-003), received $250,000 to build a 1,467-foot ADA-compliant trail with two scenic viewing platforms. It also included replacing four bridges and related permitting and design work.

A second phase, called Accessible Boardwalk, Carol Getchell South (CPA24-005), was funded with $650,000 to construct a 1,000-foot boardwalk and viewing platform on the southern section of the trail.

Design work is underway for the middle section, which will connect the completed north and south segments, according to the announcement. Funded with $105,000, this phase includes design services, site engineering and permitting for 1,833 feet of accessible trail.

The Carol Getchell Nature Trail is named for Carol Jane Getchell, a longtime Framingham educator and community leader. The trail, constructed by the Friends of Saxonville, follows the Sudbury River and can be accessed behind the Mary E. Stapleton Elementary School.

This story was created by reporter Beth McDermott, bmcdermott1@usatodayco.com, with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct.

This article originally appeared on MetroWest Daily News: Framingham opens ADA-accessible Carol Getchell Nature Trail upgrades

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