LYNNFIELD — After a large restoration initiative succeeded in replacing and repairing damaged sections of the Partridge Island Boardwalk, Planning and Conservation director Emilie Cademartori announced the opening up of an account to which residents can donate.
The Planning and Conservation office, along with the Open Space & Recreation Working Group that has been significant in the boardwalk’s maintenance, is looking towards developing a capital improvement plan to fully replace the foundation and planking.
Comprising two sections, the boardwalk brings visitors through Reedy Meadow, a National Natural Landmark as designated by the U.S. National Park Service and the largest freshwater cattail marsh in Massachusetts.
“The boardwalk sits in water, so it’s going to go through periods where it falls into disrepair,” said staff at the Planning and Conservation office. “We’ve had groups that have come together when we’ve asked to make repairs. This could be railings, this could be bumper stops, or this could be planks.”
For the 70 years since its construction, the boardwalk has gone through this cycle of maintenance. Now, with the capital investment plan looking to get started in this upcoming fiscal year, the town hopes to fully replace the foundation that has been in place since the country’s bicentennial.
November’s restoration effort was a “community wide call for help” by the Open Space & Recreation Working Group to make repairs.
Volunteers James L. MacDonald and Richard Kosian led the efforts of the nine-member work team. They were helped by Matthew Thompson and his co-worker Michael Almon, who have professional experience in constructing wetland crossings, according to the town website.
“It turned into, ‘Well what if more of the community wants to help with the repairs? Can we help with donations?’ and the answer is yes.” said Planning and Conservation staff. “There’s some residents in town who really appreciate all the work that the volunteers are doing, so they want to contribute to the ongoing maintenance.”
To lend a hand in the Partridge Island Boardwalk’s upkeep, checks made out to “Town of Lynnfield” can be mailed directly to Planning & Conservation Office, Town of Lynnfield, 55 Summer Street, Lynnfield, MA 01940. All donations will be tracked by Planning & Conservation staff and the Town Accountant.
