I went down to the boardwalk to Partridge Island this past Thursday. I was totally impressed with the work that the Department of Public Works (DPW) had done on the entrance to the walkway. The gravel fill made it easy to get to the trail without any trip hazards. The crosswalk is well marked and handicap access over the curb is completed. The new sign at the entrance with the history of the wetlands was also very nice.
However I was very disappointed in the condition of the boardwalk itself. There are significant sections of the boardwalk that are either missing or in bad repair. There are some very significant areas that are clearly hazards to anyone trying to walk along its path. It is not passable for wheelchairs and is a real danger for anyone who has a problem with sight or is not steady on their feet.
In my opinion the work necessary to make it safe for citizens of the down is minimal. I hope you would get the needed maintenance done before there is any more deterioration in the walkway that would then require a significant investment to fix it.
Richard Shafner
67 Pillings Pond Road
Lynnfield
