Wayland Cultural Council defers rail trail bench sponsorship to 2026

WAYLAND -- March 12, 2025, Wayland Cultural Council pauses rail trail bench sponsorship amid tight budget. The council voted unanimously March 12 to defer a Historical Commission request to fund a painted bench along the Cochituate Rail Trail until 2026, citing roughly $1,000 in remaining funds, $500 of which is committed to the artist who will paint the last Route 20 utility box. Chair Pallavi Nagesha said the council needed to reserve money for a grantee gathering and other spring activities, calling a themed bench a good idea "at this time, because of our funding situation." Treasurer Naresh Mysore confirmed the balance. Members also voted unanimously to open the council's town-building bulletin board to other community groups by request, and set an April 6 deadline for utility-box design submissions ahead of an April 9 vote. New members Kevin Goodwin and Maryam Libdi attended their first full meeting.