Philanthropic Support Expands Newbury Court Trail System
Concord, MA, October 31, 2024 – Newbury Court is excited to announce the grand opening of our Buttercup Boardwalk trail, a 0.4-mile all-persons boardwalk which accesses Newbury Court’s woods and wetlands. The boardwalk seamlessly connects these wilder areas to the rest of the Newbury Court campus. The boardwalk also provides access to Newbury Court’s natural woodland trail system and neighboring Town and Land Trust Trails, which lead to Mattison Field.
For over 110 years, residents have enjoyed views of the Sudbury River, the floodplain, and its surrounding woods, and now these areas of the campus are accessible to all. The Buttercup Boardwalk Trail officially opened on October 11, a result of generous private contributions and cooperation between Mass Audubon, the Town of Concord Natural Resources Department, and New England Deaconess Association. The trail offers a variety of learning, scenic viewing, and recreational opportunities.
As part of a 135-year-old non-profit, Newbury Court was founded on philanthropic support. This support is also at the heart of Buttercup Boardwalk Trail, which would not have been possible without its donors’ recognition of the importance of maintaining active lifestyles outdoors,
Similar to our founding in 1889 with a single donation, philanthropy has allowed for a transformational moment on our campus today. We are grateful to the many community members who supported this spectacular project. – Chris Sintros, CEO of New England Deaconess Association
Helmed by the resident-led Newbury Court Trails Committee, the development of the Buttercup Boardwalk Trail involved extensive planning and community input from both Newbury Court residents and the Town of Concord. Established four years ago, the Newbury Court Trails Committee is currently chaired by longtime Concord residents Janet Valliant and Joanne Gibson. The Committee includes over 30 members who enjoy the outdoors. In addition to participating in the planning of the Boardwalk, the Committee assists in planning regularly scheduled resident hikes, maintains collections of Concord Conservation Land pamphlets, and has produced a guide to walking trails near Newbury Court.
On October 11, over 175 people gathered at Newbury Court to celebrate the grand opening of Buttercup Boardwalk Trail. Guests included Rep. Simon Cataldo, Rep. Carmine Gentile, the Concord Fire Department, Buttercup trail donors, town officials, family members, residents, and staff. The opening was commemorated with speeches and community walks around the boardwalk.
Newbury Court was already a wonderful place to live but this all-persons boardwalk and reopened trail really put it over the top. It’s a game-changer. We can still view the Sudbury River and Fairhaven Hill, visit our lovely gardens, and now regardless of mobility we can all experience being in our wetlands and woods which have been so near and yet so far. – Joanne Gibson, Newbury Court Trails Committee
About Newbury Court: Since opening our doors in 1994, Newbury Court, a not-for-profit Life Plan Community, has been a premier leader in Concord senior living. Newbury Court offers residential and life-plan services for seniors 62+. Learn more at www.newburycourt.org.
About New England Deaconess Association: New England Deaconess Association, a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) corporation, was established over 135 years ago to provide a broad range of health care services and housing for senior residents in New England. It currently oversees the operation of three sites: Newbury Court in Concord, MA, Rockridge in Northampton, MA, Wesley Woods in Gilford NH, as well as Deaconess Abundant Life Services our home care provider.
Press Contact:
Contact Amy Capofreddi, Vice President of Development
Phone 978-402-8273
Email acapofreddi@nedeaconess.org
Photos:
1: CEO Chris Sintros celebrates the completion of the boardwalk at its grand opening
2-5: Community members explore the Buttercup Boardwalk Trail