Trail Improvements Completed at Beacon Street and Lakeside Avenue

10/2/2025

Friends of Lake Quannapowitt is happy to share this update from the Town of Wakefield’s Department of Public Works Engineering Division on work they completed at Lake Quannapowitt this past summer:

The Town of Wakefield is pleased to announce the successful completion of trail and shoreline improvements along the gravel path connecting Beacon Street and Lakeside Avenue. These enhancements have improved walkability, addressed erosion concerns, and helped protect the natural beauty of Lake Quannapowitt’s edge.

What’s New

Safer, Smoother Pathway: Select areas of the recreational trail were regraded and amended to eliminate tripping hazards, all within the original footprint. To preserve surrounding vegetation, all work was completed by hand—no machinery was used on the path.
Erosion & Stormwater Fixes: Gravel surfaces at the end of Beacon Street were regraded to improve drainage. Decorative bollards now prevent unauthorized vehicle access to the lake’s edge, helping protect the shoreline.
Lakeside Avenue Upgrades: The end of Lakeside Avenue was repaved and regraded, with a reduction in impervious surface to support better stormwater infiltration.

A Win for the Lake and the Community

This project reflects a thoughtful balance between accessibility and ecological care. By focusing improvements only on the most degraded areas, the Town preserved the trail’s natural character while enhancing safety and sustainability. The work also supports long-term water quality goals for Lake Quannapowitt, aligning with community priorities for environmental stewardship.

Whether you’re walking, running, or simply enjoying the view, we invite you to explore the refreshed trail and experience the improvements firsthand.

Construction Phase Highlights

Stone Swale Installation