The Southborough Trails Committee convened on February 27, 2025, to discuss the enhancement of local hiking trails and the potential for creating an interactive map to improve community access and engagement. The meeting highlighted the importance of integrating technology with outdoor recreation, particularly through the use of platforms like Google Maps.

A key point of discussion was the possibility of adding local hiking trails to Google Maps. Committee members expressed enthusiasm about enriching the trail experience by including additional information such as landmarks and links to resources about the areas. This initiative aims to make trails more accessible and informative for both residents and visitors.

The committee also revisited a previous project involving the Central Regional Planning Commission, which had aimed to create an interactive map of Southborough's trails. Although the project faced challenges, including a lack of follow-up and potential funding issues, members expressed a desire to revive this effort. They emphasized the need for a user-friendly interactive map similar to the one developed by the Sudbury Valley Trustees for the Burrows Loop.

To move forward, committee members discussed the feasibility of collecting geolocation data for the trails using smartphones and mapping tools like Gaia and AllTrails. This approach could allow them to gather accurate trail information without significant costs. The idea is to capture GPS coordinates that could then be layered onto a digital map, enhancing the community's ability to navigate and enjoy the trails.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to explore low-cost methods for integrating local trails into Google Maps and to gather necessary data before the next meeting. This initiative reflects a growing recognition of the value of outdoor spaces in Southborough and the importance of making them accessible and engaging for all community members.