Sports & Recreation

Plans for Coverage of School Sports

The Acton Exchange Team recognizes that coverage of sports, especially school and youth sports, is a staple of community news, and our vision going forward includes robust coverage of this important aspect of our community. Responsible coverage of Sports involves new challenges for our emerging news organization, around fairness, conflict of interest, and protection of minors. We aspire to begin regular coverage of school sports beginning with the fall 2024 season. If you would like to be part of this exciting new phase of the Acton Exchange’s growth, please email info@actonexchange.org, specifying what volunteer role you could see yourself playing.

Q&A with Candidates for School Committee

April 19, 2024

by Mike Balulescu

This material was republished from a communication prepared for members of the Acton Boxborough Education Association (ABEA). Ben Bloomenthal (incumbent) Q1. Why are you running for School Committee? Are there any particular issues that inspired you to run? I’m running for School Committee because I believe in the importance of a quality education and ensuring that all students have access to the resources they need to succeed. Issues like equitable funding, curriculum development, and supporting teachers inspired me to run again. Passing the “A” budget is crucial for maintaining our schools. Failure to do so will result in irreparable harm…

Trackers examining evidence on the ground and on a fallen tree of otter visits.

Winter Tracking Walk

February 7, 2024

by Jody Harris

Adapted by Franny Osman from an article by Jody Harris written for Acton Conservation Trust The last snowfall had been a week before, but as temps all week were low and skies gray, the woods still held plenty of snow for tracking the animals who make their home…

Photograph of a horseback riding arena with woman on horse in the foreground.

Choreographed Horseback Riding Benefits Equine Therapy Program

August 7, 2023

by Kim Kastens

On August 5 and 6, over a hundred horses and riders gathered at Bear Spot Farm on Pope Road in Acton to showcase their riding skills and raise money to benefit the equine therapy program of the Bear Spot Foundation. The equestrian discipline on display was “dressage.” In…

Bikes Ready for Rental on the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail

August 6, 2023

by Franny Osman

Acton’s Planning and Sustainability departments hosted a launch of the new Bike Share Program last Friday, August 11, at the East Acton Village Green, a small park abutting the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail on Concord Rd. The program is a partnership of Acton and Concord, with two stations…

Photograph of recumbent adaptive bicycle.

Adaptive Bikes at NARA Park

May 19, 2023

by Franny Osman

The Acton Recreation Department is delighted to announce the return of adaptive bike rentals. The bikes make it possible for people of all abilities to ride on the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail or around Acton.Our fleet of bikes include: 2 adult recumbent trikes, 1 adult hand cycle, 1…

The Bruce Freeman Rail Trail – An Introduction and Invitation

April 30, 2023

by Tom Beals

I recently rode the newly expanded Bruce Freeman Rail Trail from its north end in Chelmsford to its south end almost at the Sudbury border. I was familiar with the trail from Acton northwards; the extension south into Concord is a welcome addition. If you have never been…