Boulder Park Built by the CCC
Western Mass Hilltown Hikers Group Hike
Boulder Park Group Hike at Chester Blandford State Forest
July 18th at 10:00 am
Parking: Main Lot off Route 20
Hike Rating: Easy two miles on gravel paths, dirt and some stone stairs and bridges.
Join DCR Interpretive Coordinator Alec Gillman at one of the hidden Hilltown History gems. In 1933 President Franklin D. Roosevelt established the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), a federal program to provide employment opportunities for young men during the Depression. The program's focus was to improve the country's forests and recreational resources. The CCC was active in Massachusetts from 1933 to 1941. At the peak of CCC operations the state had a total of 51 camps enrolling 10,000-men.
One of the most lasting contributions of the CCC was the construction of park recreational facilities. Built of rough-hewn, on-site materials, the lodges, cabins, shelters, picnic pavilions, bath houses and other structures were designed to reflect the color and texture of their surroundings. Hiking trails, stone steps, log guardrails and stone retaining walls along roads were artfully designed to enhance the visitor's experience of the park.
In June 1933, the 113th Company of the CCC, began work in the Southern Hilltowns region of Massachusetts, resulting in a number of facilities in and around Chester, including Boulder Park. As you walk along the paths, envision the back-breaking labor done by these young men, who chose this work as a means to provide for themselves and their families during a time of economic hardship. The work of the CCC has left a lasting legacy of parks and other recreational resources for all to appreciate. The men who undertook these projects can be remembered with great pride.
Please Register per vehicle on www.hilltownhikers.com. Maps and bottled water provided. Well behaved dogs welcome. Event is volunteer lead. Suggested donation is $15. Please email [email protected] or call/text 413-302-0312 if you have any questions. As always be prepared for rocks, mud and roots, bring trekking poles and a snack!
Want to hike every weekend year round? Become a Hilltown Hiker Member!
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. Tees, hoodies, hats, patches, water bottles and safety vests will be for sale by donation at the event. See all our events, maps, blog and photos at www.hilltownhikers.com Please keep our beautiful places clean and carry in and carry out.
GROUP HIKES AND TOURS SINCE 2010
Event Links
Tickets: https://go.evvnt.com/3550520-0
Website: https://go.evvnt.com/3550520-2
