by Jeff Stone (Mr. Stone will be presenting this concept at today’s Master Plan Forum)

This idea would capitalize on MILTON’S FOUR MAJOR BODIES OF WATER: Pine Tree Brook, Pope’s Pond, Turner’s Pond and the Neponset River. It would create a NEW TOWN ASSET, a recreational and educational path all the way from the Blue Hills (Milton Town Forest / Ulin Rink) to the Neponset River at Central Ave.

Strategically located benches and possibly a new “mini-commercial district” or two near the route (another proposed Master Plan theme), could offer walkers and cyclists places to savor a snack and beverage. The route runs by three of Milton’s public schools and Milton Academy. The length of the Brook Walk could provide 45-60 continuous minutes of healthy, enjoyable walking with connections to the Neponset River Greenway Trail and to nearby trails in the Blue Hills Reservation.

This idea draws inspiration from the Town of Wellesley’s impressive network of paths that follow along streams, wooded areas, sidewalks and residential neighborhoods to provide for long and scenic walks through that town. Their trail network is clearly a community asset to Wellesley.
BENEFITS TO MILTON
1. Promote appreciation for, and use of NATURAL RESOURCES in the town.
2. Provide a resource for HEALTHY RECREATION for people of all ages, physical
activity being a key component in maintaining our health and preventing disease.
3. Knit together different parts of town, fostering CIVIC HEALTH.
4. Create a sense of TOWN PRIDE in this exciting new recreational feature.
5. Increase PROPERTY VALUES with a new, desirable town amenity.
6. Provide a nearby EDUCATIONAL resource for residents and for students at four
SCHOOLS it would pass: Milton High School, Pierce Middle School, Glover
Elementary School and Milton Academy.

SIGNAGE – Signs would mark the route and provide information about seasonal flora and fauna. We could hold a school design competition. Since Milton’s town colors seem to be red and white, and water is blue, the signs might be red, white and blue, which has a patriotic connotation. Could also include green in representation of plants and landscaping.
LANDSCAPING – New trees, shrubs, bulbs, etc. could be planted for seasonal color.
COULD WE ACCOMPLISH THIS? – We would need to improve or create paths around Pope’s Pond and along Pine Tree Brook in various places, install signage and maybe lighting. We could seek outside grants. Allies in developing and advocating for this proposal could include NepRWA, Milton realtors, bike and environmental advocates,
elected officials at local, state and federal levels, Neponset River Greenway Council, DCR, Milton Yacht Club, Milton Parks Department, Milton DPW, etc.

Want to get involved? Contact Jeff Stone at jeffstone28@gmail.com or 617-696-5517