Be a part of a transformational, historic and enjoyable landmark: the Cochituate Rail Trail!
Please help support the Cochituate Rail Trail (CRT), a beautiful and functional community asset. The CRT connects Natick Center to destinations in Natick and Framingham, providing a new transportation and recreational corridor that is enjoyed and treasured by thousands of residents, employees and visitors. The CRT brings people to state and local parks, world class companies, a leading commercial nexus, residential neighborhoods, regional transportation networks (including a redesigned MBTA rail station), the Natick Center and Saxonville cultural districts, and scenic vistas.
Current sponsorship opportunities include benches, bike repair stations, and interpretive historic panels. Whether for your corporation or your family, sponsoring the CRT will make a good impression and provide many opportunities to be remembered.
Through an agreement with the Town of Natick, FoNT is pleased to help support the CRT through a variety of sponsorship opportunities. All net proceeds from CRT sponsorships are transferred to the Town of Natick CRT Maintenance and Enhancements Fund.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Historical Panel Sponsorship
Bike Repair Stations (two available)
Bench Sponsorships (six are available)
Commemorative 8" x 8" Bricks (final order placed in August 2023)
Scenic Overlook Sponsorships (no longer available)
Trail Section Sponsorships (no longer available)
Sponsorship helps Support the CRT
Through an agreement between The Town of Natick and the Friends of Natick Trails, sponsorship revenue is provided to the Town to offset trail-related costs, such as maintenance and trail improvements. Sponsorships may be permanent, or for ten-year terms.
How to participate
To learn more about pricing and availability for benches, bike repair stations, and historical panels, please email friendsofnaticktrails@gmail.com.
Bronze plaques are installed next to sponsored steel benches.
Benches
Six benches are now available for sponsorship. Click here for details.
Seventeen sturdy, attractive eight-foot steel benches both with and without backs are situated all along the trail, providing an opportunity for trail users to enjoy the scenery and the outdoor experience.
Sponsorship includes a 12” by 4” brass plaque that is affixed to the supporting concrete pad. Benches are produced in durable powdercoat black.
Offered on a permanent basis.
Bronze plaques will be installed next to sponsored bike repair stations.
Bike Repair Stations
Two attractive, functional and convenient bike repair stations are located on the CRT: one at the entrance to Cochituate State Park at Chrysler Road, and one at the entrance to Whitney Field near Mechanic Street. Sponsorship includes a 12” by 4” brass plaque that is affixed to the supporting concrete pad. Click here for a map of sponsorship asset locations. Offered for ten year terms.
Historical Panel Series
Thirteen enameled steel signs, permanently mounted on durable steel frames, depict the historical significance of locations along the trail. Developed in partnership with the Natick Historical Society, these professionally designed panels will showcase Natick’s history, and are offered as a package to a single sponsor. Email for more information. Offered for ten-year terms.
Trail Sections
Thank you, Landry’s and Middlesex Bank! Customized, sturdy signage thanking your corporation or organization for its support of the CRT is available for the sections from Natick Center to Route 9, and Route 9 to Route 30 including the spur to the Natick Mall. Each section includes two bidirectional signs measuring approximately 2’ by 3’ and identifies the sponsor as a Friend of Natick Trails. Offered for ten-year terms. No longer available for sponspership.
Scenic Overlooks
Thank you, MathWorks, Punchbowl and MetroWest Subaru! At three locations along Lake Cochituate, the CRT opens onto scenic vistas of the lake, with bench seating and gathering places. Each location includes an opportunity for signage. Offered for ten-year terms. Please note, all three overlooks are sponsored.
Overlook 1 (sponsored by MetroWest Subaru)
Overlook 2 (sponsored by MathWorks)
Overlook 3 (sponsored by Punchbowl)
Commemorative Bricks
The final order of bricks has been placed for installation in Fall 2023. Thanks to all who ordered!
At two locations on the CRT (Cochituate State Park at Chrysler Road, and Whitney Field/Navy Yard), durable 8” by 8” bricks are laser-etched with custom messages.
How to participate
To learn more about pricing and availability for historical panels, bike repair stations and benches, please email friendsofnaticktrails@gmail.com.