Simple Trail Alignment

The simple alignment design reorganizes the trail system as a whole and closes trails that do not connect the two properties effectively, are too steep or too wet, or are confusing to users. Anchoring the simple alignment are both new and enhanced destinations of ecological and historical importance that are maintained thoughtfully and collaboratively by the Monson Parks and Recreation Department and Keep Homestead Museum volunteers.

Two existing trails are kept and are designated as service roads for maintenance staff and emergency vehicles.

Away from the disc golf course, a loop is created around the peak that highlights a vernal pool, chestnut trees, and the picnic overlook where the foundations of an old tower can still be seen.

Closed trails are off-limits to both visitors and staff because they are too steep, wet, confusing, or do not fit with the goals of the trail system.

Though above 12.5% slope, the old carriage road and a steep but short trail to the peak are kept because of the community's attachment to them.

Historical destinations like an old granite quarry, rock walls, a stone culvert, and working lands are emphasized with the clearing of vegetation and signs.

With loops, figure-eights, and out-and-backs, the green trail offers the most accessible slopes. It also outlines where efforts for building an all- persons trails can be focused.

A trail map of a lollipop loop with key information for people visiting Cedar Swamp Trail in New Hampshire (Jon Ferland, Nature Conservancy)

A trail alignment for Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary featuring loops, out and backs, and connector trails with key information like destinations and contours. (MassAudobon)

Trailhead Analysis

Trailheads can provide positive first and last impressions for visitors. They establish and foreshadow the experience to come and give the visitor an idea of the ideals of the managing agency. They also help the visitor navigate the grounds safely and enjoyably.

f lyn T P ar K P ar K ing l o T

The southern lot at Flynt Park marks the end of the Flynt Park driveway, though this is not obvious since the only visual cue is the outfield fence, some forty feet past the pavement. The lot sits to the south of a soccer field, to the north of a baseball field, and shares its northern border with a mulched playground. 5,400 square feet of pavement serve as the more formal parking area while an area of roughly equal size serves as informal overflow parking in addition to the site for piles of material for the parks and recreation crew. A lack of trees throughout the roughly 11,000 square feet cause the area to feel bare and exposed. There are no clear boundaries between these different use areas (the playground, overflow area, and parking lot), which causes them to bleed together. Two equipment sheds sit on the southeast and southwest corner of the lot, making the space feel utilitarian. Going up the most moderately sloped area to the west of the lot is a packed down desire line formed by continual use. This leads to the historic carriage road now mown turf, which used to be lined with American Chestnut trees aptly called “Chestnut Avenue”. Though not a road anymore, the flat grade, wide width, and its perspective (above the fields and tucked into the steep slope) offer the user a relief given the steep slopes elsewhere on site.

The playground and ball field are separated by a parking lot which leads to undefined boundaries between the different zones and a lack of shade lead to discomfort and safety concerns. A lack of signs, cues, and amenities limits the visitor experience.

K ee P h o M es T ead P ar K ing l o T

The parking lot at Keep Homestead Museum serves as the alternative to the horseshoe driveway directly in front of the home-turned-museum and sits directly off of Ely Road. There is a large road sign in front of the Museum but the larger parking lot, which is 200 feet farther south, relies on a break in the tree line for visual aid for entry. The gravel lot is roughly 5,200 square foot and used by community gardeners, hikers, museum visitors, and event-goers. Three raised garden beds, a kiosk with a well-aged map, a shed for garden tools, a picnic bench, a portable toilet, and a garden hose are all features of the site. Upon entrance, the garden shed is the most prominent feature, casting a utilitarian identity over the lot. The kiosk is located about 40 feet away from where the “meadow trail” starts, which could result in some confusion about the intended path for hikers. Besides the picnic table which gets moved around to different shady patches, there is a lack of a formal gathering space.

A lack of visual cues, shade, and amenities lead to confusion and discomfort for people on foot and in vehicles. A designated area from where multiple user-groups can orient themselves would enhance the experience.