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About Us

Who We Are

The Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission (CMRPC) is one of 13 Regional Planning Agencies in Massachusetts, serving the City of Worcester and 39 surrounding communities in Southern Worcester County. CMRPC includes GIS, Homeland Security, Regional Services, and Transportation programs. The Homeland Security program receives leadership and fiduciary support from the Central Region Homeland Security Advisory Council. The Transportation Department staffs the Central Massachusetts Metropolitan Planning Organization (CMMPO) and assist organizations including MassDOT, the Worcester Regional Transit Authorithy (WRTA), the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), and local governments implement crucial transportation projects. And the Regional Services program provides comprehensive planning services, technical planning services, grant preparation and administration assistance, and a broad range of growth and development assistance to its 40 communities in the region. 

Trail Program

CMRPC's Trail Program is run in collaboration between the Transportation Department and the Regional Services program. Trails, walking paths, and greenways can provide numerous benefits to communities, despite being undervalued or overlooked. From recreational opportunities to environmental protection and appreciation, trails are an integral part of a community’s open space and recreation. In addition, trails can help improve a community’s walkability, enhancing both transportation and public health. And as a tourist attraction, trails can be useful in drawing in businesses and other economic benefits to a community. In an effort to expand trail opportunities across the region, CMRPC has helped communities apply for MassTrails Grants to expand existing trails and design new trails, has mapped existing trails, and has applied for its own regionally focused  MassTrails Grants.

SWC Trail Hub Funding

Understanding that trails are more than meets the eye, CMRPC applied for and received a 2019 MassTrails Grant from the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) to develop a user-friendly Southern Worcester County Comprehensive Trail guide. With this grant, CMRPC sought to create a comprehensive web-based regional trails guide and website. The hope is that this online regional map will serve as an archive for all trail features and locations throughout Southern Worcester County. CMRPC staff have already begun an inventory of trails in the region but look to continue collecting trail data beyond the completion of this project. As a part of the grant, CMRPC purchased a Trimble Geo 7X handheld GPS unit in order to collect and map trail data throughout the region. Staff have already collected data along trails in Millbury, Southborough,  Northborough, Holden, and Northbridge, and are actively searching for other trails to map. If your community has any unmapped trails or outdated trails data, please contact CMRPC to learn if your community could benefit from this project. CMRPC wants to increase accessibility and knowledge of existing outdoor recreation opportunities for communities in Central Massachusetts, and this regional trails map is the first step in accomplishing this goal.

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CSWC Trail HUB

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