As of August 2022, evening cyclists, joggers, and amblers will find a stretch of the Manhan Rail Trail lit up, thanks to several organizations who cooperated to brighten up a wooded section of the recreational way in Easthampton. Last fall, the Friends of the Manhan Trail asked Williston Northampton School if it would join an effort to add light features to the trail. Since then, the school has improved lighting in its day student lot at 18 Payson Avenue, directing more light to the paved way, and behind the Philipps Manufacturing building, which also lies along the trail.
Williston donated approximately $60,000 for the project, working in cooperation with Friends of the Manhan Trail Treasurer Barbara LaBombard.
Redirecting lights at the parking lot and installing them behind Philipps Manufacturing presented few challenges, but extending an electric connection to wooded sections of the trail was more difficult. Williston staff designed and installed underground power conduits that hook into the school’s power source. These connect to bases for light poles at the vegetated borders of the trail, extending roughly 2,100 feet from Payson Avenue to the school’s Lossone Rink on Park Street.
The installation of poles with LED lights by Whiteley Electric should be complete in the coming days, according to Charles McCullagh, Williston’s Chief Financial Officer.
“When the bike path committee invited Williston to be a part of this project, we were eager to help out,” McCullagh said. “As always, working with the City, particularly the Mayor’s office, the Police Department, and the Public Works Department, has been great. We’d love to continue these types of collaborations and we’re looking forward to seeing a brighter, safer trail.”