New Boardwalk Constructed in Willowdale State Park

The Tri-Town Transcript reported that a new boardwalk in Willowdale State Park in Topsfield was opened in early December that bridges wetlands and connects the east and west sides of the 2,400-acre state park.  The Essex County Trail Association (ECTA) built the 160-foot boardwalk in October using grant money from REI Sports which was awarded in July.

“This bridge will help increase accessibility and opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. REI has shared aspirations and goals with ECTA — to increase stewardship, conservation and recreation in our natural areas,” said Bruce Jurgens, manager of REI’s Reading store. “The new boardwalk will allow for safe access across the wetland.”

The state park, which spans the three towns of Topsfield, Boxford, and Ipswich, contains over 40 miles of trails and buds up against the Bradley Palmer State Park which spans Ipswich, Hamilton and Topsfield. Together the two parks contain 3,100 acres of protected land.

Read the entire Tri-Town Transcript