Lake Williams Boardwalk In Marlborough Opens To Public

MARLBOROUGH, MA — Marlborough on Monday celebrated the formal public opening of a new boardwalk that floats on top of Lake Williams.

The boardwalk, a $1.7 million project paid for with federal pandemic stimulus money, officially opened at noon Monday during a ceremony and ribbon cutting with Mayor Christian Dumais. The boardwalk helps complete the Lake Williams Trail, which covers the southern half of the lake from near the courthouse to near the I-495 ramps at Lakeside Avenue/Route 20.

The boardwalk will create a floating pathway from the Gaye Rowe Gazebo at the intersection of Williams Street and Lakeside Avenue northwest along the lake shore. With the boardwalk, the Lake Williams Trail is now about 2 miles.

“The Lake Williams Boardwalk will be a fantastic addition to the existing Lake Williams Trail. The boardwalk adds a little over half mile to the trail and expands access to our natural resources for all residents. I would like to thank former Mayor Arthur Vigeant, U.S. Rep. Lori Trahan, the Marlborough Department of Public Works, Conservation Department, the Trails Committee, and all others who made this project happen,” Dumais said in a news release.

Monday's ceremony served as the grand opening for the boardwalk, although it was completed in April. The boardwalk will be open only to pedestrians, including people using mobility devices. But bicycles, pets and activities like fishing are prohibited. Lake Williams is a source of drinking water for the city.

Following the grand opening, Dumais will lead a hike on Tuesday at 6 p.m. covering the entire Lake Williams Trail. The hike will begin at the entrance to Marlborough District Court, 45 Williams St.