MARION — The Sippican Lands Trust plans to start construction of an accessible boardwalk on the 20 acre Osprey Marsh Property on Point Road later this month.

The 1,800 foot boardwalk is designed to provide accessibility for infants in strollers, older adults, and individuals with mobility impairments, such as those in wheelchairs. It will extend from the Osprey Marsh Parking area through maritime forest, wetlands, and fragile salt marsh to a viewing platform overlooking Planting Island Cove. The boardwalk and accompanying trail will be about ⅓ of a mile long.

Designed by Peter Jensen, the path will be built by Marion contractor W.S. Bradford. Construction is expected to take six months, and the Osprey Marsh Property will be closed during that time.

The sensitive wetland area of the property is expected to provide challenges in construction, but Sippican Lands Trust  Board President Alan Harris said “this project, which began nearly five years ago is challenging on many levels. As an organization, the board feels the challenge is worth the pay-off of creating a regionally unique trail. We all need to get outside and get connected to the natural environment,” Harris explained, adding that a more accessible path will allow those with physical challenges to be able to connect with nature, and make it easier for all walkers or hikers.

Board member Diane Cook added that the project is a “dream come true” for people who are currently incapable of traveling on the majority of trails in the area.

The Sippican Lands Trust will hold a public ceremony celebrating the project on Saturday, June 29 at 9 a.m. at the Osprey Marsh.

The Smoyer and Howland families donated 20 acres of the property initially, and engineering for the project was also funded by a $38,000 grant from the Town of Marion’s Community Preservation Committee. The Lands Trust is still looking for donations to help fund the property. 

For more information on the project or how to donate, go to https://sippicanlandstrust.org/2017/10/osprey-marsh-