THE ROLLSTONE HILL "ROCK WALK" TRAIL
A PROPOSAL BY PETER CAPODAGLI
Boulder Art Gallery
960 Main Street
Fitchburg, MA 01420
978-345-7000
www.theboulderartgallery.com
This is a condensed and sample version of information that
might be included in the first station.  This starting
station/structure would be placed directly on the island where
the Rollstone Boulder rests today in the Upper Common.  This
first marker would have a (yet to be designed) “Fitchburg Rock
Walk” logo built into it, that would be easily read by motorists
approaching the kiosk from several different directions, not
only to heighten ones curiosity, but also to generate interest
and identify the start of the trail.  As you begin the walk and
follow the kiosks in sequence, they would continually build and
add detail to the story, as well as direct you to the next station.
PAGE 8
This is a picture of the Veterans Memorial in Portsmouth,
NH.  It is a simple but impressive looking structure made
of random sized slabs of granite.  Fitchburg has access
to large quantities of granite that could be incorporated
into a similar structure that would not only contain the yet
to be designed "Rock Walk" logo, but also clearly mark
the start of the walk.  A marker similar to this would not
only serve to reinforce Fitchburg's connection to the
granite quarries on Rollstone Hill, but would also be an
unusual and eye catching piece of public art.
  In its most basic form, the starting
marker for the "Rock Walk Trail" could
be one simple granite column, or a
grouping of two or three granite
columns of different heights.  A
singular, monolithic slab of granite
could also be quite effective.  Engraved
on the surfaces could be the numeral
"one" to signify the start of the trail, and
the "Rock Walk" script.   
The idea of this marker is twofold, it not
only serves to identify the starting point
of the trail, but it also serves to
advertise and promote this unique
attraction. As mentioned previously,
this marker would be placed in an
appropriate spot on the small island in
the Upper Common where the
Rollstone Boulder rests.
Regret is a rock,
Something always there.
We pretend that it’s gone,
But its weight we share.

Amy K. Mcdonald
How happy is the little stone
That rambles in the road alone

Emily Dickinson
I dare not look away
From beauty such as this,
Lest, while my glance should stray,
Some loveliness I miss.

Jessie Belle Rittenhouse
Never measure the height of a mountain
until you have reached the top.
Then you will see how low it was.

Dag Hammarskjold