by Jeff Shaw
Last summer, I mused about the potential locations of bench installations along the Old Colony Rail Trail (OCRT). At the time, only one bench (I call it, “Olde Solo,” across the street from the Airport) could be found along the 4.5-mile paved recreational path.
At the time, the Chatham Bikeways Committee was raising money to purchase and install new benches. And they did!
As of Summer 2024, the spur route of the Cape Cod Rail Trail now features six newly installed benches, to go along with Olde Solo! Equally enjoyable, I was 4 for 6 of correctly guessing the location of the new benches. Not bad.
And who knows, maybe Bob Oliver and the Bikeways Committee read my article and used the suggestions. [If anyone did, more likely my suggestions confirmed what they already knew/studied].
Regardless, meet the six new benches of the Old Colony Rail Trail!
Location: Bench at Chatham/Harwich Town Line
What I wrote in 2023: “I cannot think of a better way to illustrate being a welcoming community that promotes outdoor recreation than with a bench as soon as people cross into Chatham from Harwich”.
Dedication: Gregory Carli Bluestein, remembering his love, life and laughter.
Location: Two Benches at Route 137 Intersection near Short & Sweet Ice Cream
What I wrote in 2023: “Sure Thing #1. The intersection of the trail and Route 137 already received a safety upgrade at the road crossing. Flashing lights on both sides warns oncoming vehicles if a rider, walker or runner is nearby. Additionally, the site has a large parking lot, that also accommodates a food truck at select times. Already on site: a small bike rack, air pressure pumps, garbage cans and a large framed map of the trail in the immediate area.”
Dedication: Given by Michael and Jia Monts
Dedication: Ana Amor Gomez-Blanchfield, Lola to James, Will, Ben, Alice andTheo
Location: Bench at Sam Ryder Road intersection
What I wrote in 2023: Nothing (I didn’t see this coming)
Dedication: Forever in our Hearts Bernice (Kim) Kenyon. Her loving and selfless dedication to family, friends, community and God continues to be an inspiration
Location: Bench at Chatham Municipal Airport
What I wrote in 2023: Nothing (wow, did I miss this obvious one.)
Dedication: The Old Cranks Bicycle Group. All friends are invited to sit. You are especially welcome if you are old and cranky.
Location: Bench at Veteran’s Field
What I wrote in 2023: “Perhaps the most obvious option when you think about it, a bench – or two, or even three – installed on the paved area above (and facing) the outfield makes a lot of sense. First, that’s literally where the OCRT officially ends. Second, there is a large framed map of the trail there as well as a garbage can, so people gather there. Three and most importantly, that is prime real estate for viewing baseball games!”
Dedication: There are good ships and wood ships, ships that sail the sea, but the best ships are friendships and may they always be. In loving memory of Thomas J. Raftery
So weary travelers by foot, bike, rollerblade or other human-powered modes of transportation, you now have seven benches along the OCRT to chose from. Have fun out there!
August 5, 2024