Tooker Property Open Space Purchase
The Pine Meadow Conservation Land is a jewel of an Open Space resource area for the Town of Ayer and its residents. With assistance from the Ayer Greenway Committee, an extensive network of trails runs through the forest and along the shore of Pine Meadow Pond. The “Habitat Loop Trail” provides access to a beautiful Observation Point, and the “Science Trail” offers a great educational resource to hikers.
For a long time, the 129+ acres were accessible only from an entrance on Groton-Harvard Road. But in 2009, the opportunity came before the Town to purchase additional land from lifelong Ayer resident Albert Tooker. The 5.5 acres of new land not only added onto the already-existing Pine Meadow Conservation Land, but abutted Oak Ridge Drive, adding a new access point for the public to this forested resource.
Fall Town Meeting in 2009 approved the purchase of the Tooker property with CPC’s Open Space funds; total amount of $129,000. The preservation of Open Space has been identified as the top priority by residents since the Community Preservation Act (M.G.L. Chapter 44B) was adopted by Ayer voters in April 2001. This land purchase added connectivity and increased access to residents. CPC funds made this possible, paying not only for the acquisition of the land itself, but also for the cost of the necessary property survey, appraisal, Phase I environmental review, legal services, and other incidental expenses. In short order, the existing trail network was extended to Oak Ridge Drive where a handsome new kiosk stands ready to greet hikers and offer handy trail maps to the area.