Needham Bank has committed $10,000 to founding a sponsorship of the Bay Colony Rail Trail, a project that would convert more than seven miles of unused rail line between Needham, Dover and Medfield into a recreational path.

Needham Bank is the first area business to provide seed money to the Bay Colony Rail Trail project, which was launched in the summer of 2009 by a small group of Needham, Medfield and Dover residents, according to a statement.

The bank has committed approximately $3,500 annually over a three-year period to the linear park that will allow for diverse, non-motorized recreational activities, including walking, in-line skating, biking, running and horseback riding.

Jack W. McGeorge, president of Needham Bank, said he is excited about the potential recreational trail that could connect the two towns.

"As a community bank, we focus on supporting projects that provide a multitude of benefits, and the rail trail project is one that is easy to embrace," said McGeorge. "Having a recreational trail that will connect the communities of Needham, Dover and Medfield would provide our customers, employees and the general public with a safe place for healthy outdoor activity, while at the same time increasing awareness and appreciation of the area’s natural, scenic beauty."

According to Bay Colony Rail Trail President and Needham resident Tad Staley, the towns of Needham, Dover and Medfield have received permission to conduct a feasibility study on the project. The state’s approval of the study is pending. The Rail Trail project will be modeled along the lines of other trails, including one in the Wachusett area of Central Massachusetts.

"Having Needham Bank’s support in the early stages of the rail trail project is critical," said Staley. "Most projects of this nature can take up to 10 years to garner state and local approvals and to generate necessary funds. Creating public awareness about the project is our highest priority presently, and Needham Bank’s support will go a long way toward that goal."