Marlborough Panther Trail Will Get Water Crossings After DCR Grant

MARLBOROUGH, MA — Hiking all of Marlborough's new 26.2-mile Panther Trail isn't easy, but a new state grant for the trail will make it a little less difficult.

The state Department of Conservation and Recreation last week gave out $11 million worth of state trails grants to facilities across the state, including $13,000 for the Panther Trail. The grant will be sent to the Marlborough Conservation Commission to construct stream crossings, including one major crossing over Millham Brook.

Years in planning, the Panther Trail fully opened in October, looping around Marlborough and connecting notable green places like the Assabet River Rail Trail, Callahan State Park and Williams Lake. The trail is also part of the planned 33-mile Boroughs Loop trail, which connects Marlborough, Southborough, Westborough and Northborough.

"We are grateful to [Conservation Officer Priscilla Ryder] and the Conservation Commission for securing this vital funding. It is wonderful to see our community enhancing access to recreational areas for residents to enjoy. Projects like this help make Marlborough a more vibrant city and I look forward to the bridges completion," said Mayor Arthur Vigeant said in a news release about the grant.