The Town of Milton Conservation Commission (MCC) is seeking the services of a qualified professional firm for the final design and construction of an ADA-compliant, wheelchair and motorized ADA vehicles-accessible viewing platform with a ramp as phase III of an ADA Access Trail located in the Milton Town Forest (MTF). The MTF is located adjacent to the Milton/Westford town line, and is used by residents for a variety of recreational activities, such as hiking, hunting, birdwatching, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. The land on which the trail is located was purchased by the Town in 2007 to provide public access to the previously landlocked MTF. In 2008, the Town adopted a MTF Management Plan (MTFMP) for the responsible stewardship of the land, which was amended in 2011. In 2012, the Town installed an 8-space parking lot and the existing access trail which served primarily as an access point to the wider network of hiking trails in the MTF. In 2017 and 2022, the Town of Milton received grant funds from the Recreational Trails Program of the Vermont Department of Forest Parks and Recreation to complete phases I and II of the ADA access trail which heads southwesterly towards Milton Marsh. Phase II of the ADA Access trail was completed in fall 2023. The trail passes through three unique zones on its way to a large open wetland: an abandoned tree farm; an open meadow; and a mature hardwood forest. The MTF Access Trail is a 5-feet wide, universally accessible, unpaved, non-motorized, shared-use path that meets ADA slope requirements. This Request for Proposals is seeking a qualified professional contractor to design and construct a 22x24ft wheelchair and motorized ADA vehicle accessible platform that is the culmination of the ADA trail. This viewing platform will include a wheelchair and motorized ADA vehicle compatible ramp, a wrap-around bench, a railing for safety, a wheelchair accessible picnic table and 3 educational kiosks. This platform is a crucial addition to enhance accessibility and usability for all park visitors, including those with disabilities. The Town Forest platform will complete the final phase of the Milton Town Forest accessible trail project.
