INNOVATION is rare, but a new floating boardwalk keeps Massachusetts treading water.
Williams Lake, 3,000 feet long, opened to the public in Marlboro, Massachusetts, on May 6.
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The walkway creates a two-mile loop, connecting the Lake Williams Trail to half of Williams Lake and a trail near Interstate 495.
It traverses Williams Lake’s 113 acres of water and land and offers views like no other.
The walkway connects the lake and offers an extra half-mile of trail, encouraging runners and walkers.
Under the direction of Mayor Christian Dumais, the city built the boardwalk using $1.7 million in federal pandemic stimulus money.
Dumais, like many Marlboro residents, was excited to venture into previously uncharted waters.
“When I was growing up, the lake was completely forbidden,” Dumais told CBS News.
“That’s because Williams Lake was once the source of the city’s drinking water supply.”
Now, the residents are able to accomplish a feat on a biblical scale.
“Once you get on the sidewalk, it’s like, ‘Wow,’ because where else can you do that?” Dumais asked.
“Knowing that you can actually walk on water.”
Construction on the project began in the summer of 2023, and on opening day, city officials held a brief ceremony to celebrate its completion.
A ceremonial ribbon-cutting ceremony took place in front of the Williams Street entrance, where residents were encouraged to attend.
Dozens of excited residents walked the half-mile stretch for the first time after the ceremony.
Access to the boardwalk is free and open to people of all ages and abilities, including people with disabilities.
“There are several access points along the boardwalk. The two remote entrances that will be open to the public and a midway emergency access point near the pump house along Lakeside Avenue will give us direct access to the boardwalk,” he said Jeff Emanuelson of the Marlborough Fire Department. .
“We will be able to launch our rescue boat from the Lizotte Drive access point and pump house access if necessary.”
The public is encouraged to walk, hike, run and enjoy the views the trail offers.
The walkway will be open seven days a week from dawn to dusk.
Although the lake will no longer be used as part of the city’s drinking water supply, safeguards will remain to protect its waters.
Visitors are subject to restrictions including bans on fishing, bicycles, scooters, skateboards, smoking and swimming.
Pet owners will also not be able to bring their furry friends onto the boardwalk.
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This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
