Top on the agenda was the discussion of trail expansion and the finalization of the pathways and trails plan. The committee chair, Tara, presented the final draft of the plan, which had been in development for five years. The document received updates, including the addition of maps, demographic information, and local health assessment recommendations. Committee members engaged in a thorough discussion about the vision and goals for the trails, and also debated which natural features, flora, fauna, and landmarks should be highlighted in the document. The plan aims to improve the trail experience by providing educational information on the local ecosystem and making the trails more navigable with better signage.

Another topic was the review of proposed changes to several trail maps. This included updates for Graber Woods and Bunker Hill Environmental Center, which are set to include new designations such as a disc golf area. Feedback was provided by the committee on these maps, and they were refined to improve clarity and visibility of trails, including minor adjustments like labeling and outlining. Additionally, upgrades for trails such as the JFK Trail, John Clyde Memorial Native Grasslands Preserve, and Memorial Forest were evaluated, with plans for future enhancements, including trail extensions and areas for planting native trees.

The meeting also welcomed new members to the committee, including Robert Kovac, who expressed his enthusiasm for contributing to the Trails Commission. The reorganization of the committee saw Vanessa Jones elected as the chair and Anarie Orloski as the vice chair, with Chris Gonda taking up the role of secretary. Moreover, a new liaison from the council was introduced.

Maintenance and public awareness were topics during the meeting. The committee acknowledged the need for a more structured system to track and prioritize trail maintenance issues. The idea of creating a Google form that could be accessed by both the committee and the public was discussed, with the goal of fostering better communication with the Department of Public Works (DPW). There was a consensus on the importance of promptly addressing maintenance concerns such as broken benches and trail markers, which had been outstanding for years.

In terms of community engagement, the committee explored various strategies to increase public awareness of the trails. They discussed the use of the local newspaper, the Franklin Times, to promote National Trails Day and other activities. Suggestions were made to include trail information in the township newsletter and to partner with the Board of Education for educational outings. The use of the township website, collaboration with the Parks and Recreation department, and the implementation of better signage were also considered essential for promoting trail usage.

The committee also expressed a desire to seek grants for trail projects, specifically mentioning the Sustainable Jersey Grant for adding a trail at Naman Williams Park. There was an emphasis on considering trail additions in different parts of the town to link communities to more resources. The importance of addressing health equity issues in the township was underscored by the committee’s deliberate efforts to create access to trails in densely populated areas.