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A new volunteer group has formed to help maintain and improve the town's rail trail, its founders announced Sept. 22.
Friends of the Marblehead Rail Trail plans to focus on maintaining, enhancing and promoting the trail, the group said in a statement. Organizers intend to work with the town as a community partner, pairing volunteer labor with town guidance to support the trail's long-term health.
Co-founder Brian Rooney said the idea came from the 2020 Marblehead Rail Trail Plan, which recommended forming a friends group to support the trail. Rooney had attended planning meetings and worked with several town departments on aspects of the trail, where he saw firsthand how such a partnership could benefit both the town and the trail.
After realizing no one had started such a group, Rooney and his wife, Kate Rooney, began talking with neighbors and other stakeholders about the idea.
Those conversations turned to how the group could be most useful. Organizers decided to run it entirely with volunteers so trail upkeep would come at no added cost to the town.
"Given the last few town meetings with budget concerns and the override, the last thing we want to do is add more expense to the taxpayer," Brian Rooney said.
The launch is only the group's first step, according to organizers, who said more plans will follow.
"We feel like the will is there from people to get involved, and the rail trail means a lot to so many people in this town," Brian Rooney said.
Residents can connect with the group and follow updates at marbleheadrailtrail.com.
