The Barrington Town Council recently signed off on an access agreement between the town and the Bristol County Water Authority, paving the way for walking path improvements inside Veterans Park. 

The “Veterans Park Connector Path Project” surfaced more than a year ago; the work will include improvements to the walking trails, such as the construction of raised boardwalks over wetland areas. The trails connect with the Broadview Drive neighborhood, crossing over Bristol County Water Authority property. 

Town officials said the water authority will sign off on the project, but a “license and access agreement” was needed between the town and BCWA. Council approval was required because it imposes an indemnification obligation on the town, stated a memo from Barrington Town Manager Phil Hervey. 

There was very little discussion about the project or the agreement at the Nov. 2 council meeting. After a brief explanation by Hervey, Barrington Town Council President Braxton Cloutier made a motion to sign the agreement. Liana Cassar seconded the motion which passed 4-0. 

The Veterans Park trails have been used for decades — the network of paths criss-cross the 230-acre refuge that borders Brickyard Pond to the west. Years ago, the trails included exercise stations that featured pull-up bars and other fitness equipment. 

According to town officials, Barrington’s Complete Streets plan calls for the park path improvements to make the trails ADA compliant.