Take a (new) seat in West Acton

Whether you’re traveling the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail or strolling along Commonwealth Avenue, you’ll soon have more places to take a seat in West Acton. 

Public works crews moved a bike rack to the patio outside Acton Teacakes earlier this month and plan to install two new benches soon. Even more benches could be on the way if the town can secure funding. 

Economic Vitality Manager Mimi Graney presented the plan to the Select Board last month. She told The Acton Bridge she expects the two wooden benches will arrive by the end of September. One bench will sit along the rail trail near the West Acton Poetry Phone; the second will be set outside West Village Tavern. 

Graney floated adding more benches overlooking Nashoba Brook, outside the planned Guitar Museum on Commonwealth Avenue, and in the plaza outside Reflections Consignment. But those spots are all on private property, so the town would need permission to proceed. 

Officials are also buying benches out of a donor-funded West Acton beautification account and currently don’t have cash for more amenities. (Each new bench costs roughly $1,200, Graney said. Brass plaques will recognize donors who support a bench.) 

Anyone can make a donation to support West Acton projects by emailing Graney at [email protected] or contacting the Town Manager’s Office.

Talk of benches follows a 2024 “Age Friendly Acton” survey and recent events where residents suggested places to put amenities. 

Town staff added benches in Acton Center ahead of Concord250 celebrations earlier this year. As new seats arrive, officials hope they will boost foot traffic in an already bustling town center.

Outside West Acton Village, another bench is coming to the rail trail near Williams Road following a donation from The Acton Runners and the Friends of The Bruce Freeman Rail Trail. 

The Select Board accepted the donation on September 15. Natural Resources Director Delia Kaye told The Bridge that the bench will hopefully be installed “sometime this fall.”