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The North Central Pathway is a planned 16-Mile Recreation trail linking the historic downtowns of Gardner and Winchendon, Massachusetts
Beginning at the Heritage State Park Visitors Center in historic downtown Gardner, known as the "Chair City" for its proud furniture making heritage, the Pathway heads north along the shore of beautiful Crystal Lake to the sprawling campus of Mt. Wachusett Community College. From the college, trail users can take a quick jaunt to the handicapped accessible park facilities of Dunn Pond, or a peaceful 10-mile trek north to Whitney Pond, located near the center of Winchendon.
The Route to the "Toy Town" is proposed to run along an abandoned railbed which roughly parallels Route 140. The path will cross Route 12 and turn west, meandering along Millers River before entering the quaint town center. The paved trail will be minimum of 10 feet wide along its entire course ... traversing some charming landscapes in each community.
In Gardner, the spur planned along the western shore of Crystal Lake will provide a scenic link between the Heritage Park Visitors Center and Gardner City Forest. Several early settlers to the region built their homes near the old county road and walking paths which cross the aged woodland. Public skating and swimming facilities can also be found along the route.
Construction of the first mile of trail along the eastern shore of Crystal Lake was completed in the summer of 1997. This phase offers a picturesque connection from Gardner's downtown to the community college and fitness center, hospital, and the municipal golf course and driving range.
Design and engineering of the next three miles of trail is now underway with final plans due in early 1999. Additional construction is expected in the summer of 1999, with the entire route planned for completion within six years.
North Central Pathway is open to any persons engaged in non-motorize recreational activities. Snowmobile use on future portions of the trail may be authorized at a later date. For now, bicyclists, rollerbladers, joggers, walkers and persons with disabilities are all encouraged to enjoy this wonderful family facility.
Click on map to see oversized image!
A concept plan completed in 1996 estimates that full build-out of the trail will cost $3.1 million (or $195,000 per mile). Though still in its early stages. over $600,000 has been committed to the project. including federal Transportation Enhancement Project funds (ISTEA); state Urban Self-Help and Greenways programs funds; local assistance through the City of Gardner and Town of Winchendon; and private fundraising by the North Central Pathway Committee. With a multi-million dollar pricetag, however, continued efforts to secure public and private funds are necessary. A list of all contributors is being maintained for inclusion on a permanent acknowledgement upon completion of the project.
If you would like more information, or wish to help complete the North Central Pathway, call:
This brochure produced by members of the Pathway Committee.
Design courtesy of Gowell Advertising and Design.
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Text and map copied from the printed brochure on July 24, 2000 by Kenyon F. Karl <railtrails@crosswinds.net> using scanner and OCR software. Unintentional errors are likely!
