FREE Movie Screening !
The Dedham Greenspace Coalition (DGC) invites community members of all ages to a special free screening of the acclaimed PBS documentary From Rails to Trails on Thursday, April 30 at 7:00 PM at TLC Studios, 390 Washington Street, Dedham Square, MA.
Open to the public and free of charge, this community gathering offers an inspiring opportunity to explore the remarkable story behind one of America’s most transformative environmental and civic movements.
Joel Barrera is a superstar in the trails community primarily for his policy leadership and advocacy in expanding public trail access in Massachusetts
We’re pleased that Joel Barrera will be speaking at the film screening. Joel has spent more than 25 years shaping Massachusetts trail policy and development. As Deputy Chief of Staff to Governor Charlie Baker, he ignited a transformation in statewide trail development, founding the MassTrails Team and launching the MassTrails Grant Program, which has since unlocked hundreds of millions of dollars to build and expand rail trails, shared-use paths, and natural surface networks.
As Deputy Director of the Metropolitan Area Planning Council, he helped envision a regional “Landline” of interconnected trails and bike routes, and during six years on the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority Board, he spearheaded efforts to open 40 miles of aqueduct trails, including the Cochituate and Sudbury Aqueducts in Natick.
After retiring from 28 years of public service in February, Joel now consults with the Conine Family Foundation’s HubLuv Initiative to advance a safer, more connected biking network across Greater Boston and to help develop a cross-state trail along the former Massachusetts Central Railroad. He also serves on the board of Mass Audubon and spends his free time biking, hiking, and exploring the outdoors.
About the Film
Narrated by Edward Norton, From Rails to Trails chronicles the 60-year effort to transform abandoned railroad corridors into vibrant public pathways for walking, biking, recreation, and connection. The documentary highlights the citizen activists, visionary leaders, and local advocates who helped reclaim these spaces for public use, creating scenic, car-free trails that now serve communities across the country. The film also examines the legal, political, and community challenges involved in preserving these corridors for future generations. (railstotrails.org) (pbs.org)
For Dedham Greenspace Coalition, the film resonates deeply with local efforts to protect open spaces, strengthen community connections, and imagine greener possibilities for Dedham’s future.
“Trails do something magical,” said Paul Reynolds. “They invite us to slow down enough to notice the world again: the curve of a tree branch, the laughter of neighbors, the quiet restoration that nature offers. This documentary reminds us that greenspaces and pathways do not appear by accident. They happen because communities care enough to dream, organize, and build together.”
Carol Hills, Executive Director of Dedham Greenspace Coalition, added, “From Rails to Trails beautifully captures how persistence, collaboration, and civic imagination can reshape communities for the better. We’re excited to share this inspiring story with Dedham residents as we continue our own work to advocate for accessible, protected, and celebrated greenspaces right here at home.”
Guests are encouraged to arrive early, connect with fellow community members, and learn more about Dedham Greenspace Coalition’s ongoing initiatives to preserve and enhance local natural spaces.
Community support helps sustain this important work. Those inspired to contribute to Dedham’s greener future are encouraged to donate at www.dedhamgreenspace.org.