In mid-April LRM Construction crews began digging out a ten-foot-wide path at Fairfield Hills where a new paved walkway would go. Within weeks, residents eager to stroll the lengthened trail system, which is now complete and adds nearly a mile to existing trails, were already using the unfinished surface.

LRM Construction on April 14 had started the job, which owner Rob Manna said this week, “went well, was on time and on budget.” Noticing the already frequented trail, he said, “It’s amazing the amount of people already using it.”

Fresh pavement finished off the gravel-lined path, cutting through fields of wildflowers, groves of shrubs near single-family residences once used by state hospital workers, and through newer construction on the campus. More of the Fairfield Hills varied scenery — a community garden, meadows, playing fields, wooded areas, and large brick buildings both old and new — is now within arm’s reach where the trail meanders. It winds along Mile Hill South behind the white, single-family homes, past the Victory Garden, and toward Wasserman Way. From there a sweeping curve heads toward the new Newtown Volunteer Ambulance garage, passes in front of it, then cuts toward the campus center where it ends at the the intersection of Keating Farms Avenue and DG Beers Boulevard, a few yards away from the main entrance across from Reed Intermediate School.

From this point, walkers can access older, refinished sections af trail by heading on the road skirting playing fields and ending at a cul-de-sac. From that location hikers can walk a resurfaced trail uphill through a meadow that crests at a wooded area. Another leg of trail completes the loop around the campus by dropping back down to a pavilion and parking area near Cochran House, where the new trail begins.

The new trail is a paved, ADA-accessible surface extending the campus trails by 4,200 feet, or slightly less than one mile. With $300,000 budgeted in this year’s capital improvement plan (CIP), the bid came in from LRM Construction for $291,000.

A longtime goal and project on the Parks and Recreation Departments’ to-do list, the trail adds benefits to the campus, said Director Amy Mangold.

Recreation trails and the spaces where they lead “make our communities more liveable; improve the economy through tourism and civic improvement; preserve and restore open space; and provide opportunities for physical activity to improve fitness and mental health,” Ms Mangold said. Town officials and planners are “making strides to make Newtown a more healthy and vibrant community,” evident in the ongoing initiatives at Fairfield Hills and through the new sidewalks and safe routes in town, she said.

Looking at the finished trails, she said, “LRM did an beautiful job.” Her department is also working with Newtown Cultural Arts Commission for some artistic plans on site.

The new trail section also allows for three outdoor fitness spaces. Newtown Parks and Recreation is creating a plan for any business or individual that may want to sponsor a fitness station. Those interested may contact Ms Mangold at 203-270-4342. “We look forward to a strategic plan where our community trails will connect to local parks, open space areas, schools, and other public lands. We are on our way,” she said.

Newtown Parks and Recreation will be doing the maintenance for the trails. Public works also has responsibilities and assists with maintenance.

 

Rules Of Trail Use

Proposed Fairfield Hills Trail Rules:

Trails are open from sunrise to sunset.

Authorized vehicles only.

Trails are not maintained for winter use or extreme weather.

Pet owners must clean up after their pets.

Pets should be on a short leash and under control at all times.

No horses allowed on pedestrian trail (must use designated equestrian path).

No hunting.

No alcoholic beverages, illegal or illicit drugs.

Proper safety equipment recommended.

Cyclists and skaters and other wheeled travelers must yield to pedestrians, and recommended speed should not exceed 10 mph.