Local Eagle Scout Project Expands Access to Nature at Broad Meadow Brook

As part of Mass Audubon's commitment to creating inclusive spaces for all visitors, four new wooden benches now offer resting spots along the All Persons Trail at Broad Meadow Brook in Worcester, thanks to a project by local scout Oliver Chase-Norris. 

Oliver, a member of Boy Scout Troop #9, took on the challenge of designing, building, and installing these benches as part of his journey to earn the Eagle Scout award—the highest honor within the Boy Scouts of America, which requires scouts to complete 21 merit badges and a community service project.  

Oliver was inspired by his childhood experiences hiking with his dad, birding at owl prowls, and looking for frogs in Frog Pond. He ultimately chose Broad Meadow Brook to donate his efforts to because of the impact that this project would have at an accessible urban sanctuary that receives many visitors each year.  

Involving his fellow scouts, Oliver led the entire construction process, from sawing, sanding, and staining the wood, to pouring concrete footings and installing the benches with bolts, ensuring they can be adjusted if necessary. The project spanned three workdays, with two days devoted to preparing the wood and one day for installation, using tools like an electric auger to dig the bench holes.

Oliver’s biggest takeaway from the project was how long the planning process can take and the challenges of coordinating people, materials, and tools. He also learned a lot about woodwork and construction and the importance of submitting applications and paperwork as soon as possible to avoid delays.

Reflecting on the project, Oliver shared that, “being able to improve the experience of nature for those who often can’t access it is a great feeling…It was truly satisfying to see the result of a long period of work come to fruition in the form of very real benches actually installed in the sanctuary.”

Accessible Trails Designed for All

Broad Meadow Brook’s All Persons Trail is specially designed for inclusivity. Its unique post-and-rope navigational guiding system allows visitors with vision impairments to explore the trails independently.   

In addition to the Nature Center and restrooms’ accessibility, there are a variety of adaptive items available for loan at the sanctuary, including an all-terrain wheelchair, rollator walker, seat cane, walking and hiking sticks, binoculars, field guides, printed trail booklets, and family-friendly education and activity materials. Broad Meadow Brook is located along the WRTA bus route with a bus stop in the parking lot to provide access via public transportation as well. 

The benches, placed at key rest stops along the trail, provide ideal spots for visitors to relax and enjoy the sanctuary at their own pace. From the benches visitors can experience the smells, sounds, and sights of the sanctuary. Listen for birds calling in the trees and squirrels rustling amongst the leaves, admire the bright colors of leaves in the fall, and feel the cool breeze or the warm sun as you take in a breath of fresh air.

Visit Broad Meadow Brook and Take a Seat

Mass Audubon recognizes the many mental, physical, and emotional health benefits of time spent outdoors and is committed to expanding equitable access to nature for all. We invite you to visit the All Persons Trail at Broad Meadow Brook to experience nature at your own pace and take in the scenery from the these newly installed benches. 

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