Grant will connect trails along river
Officials: Project offers exercise, bike-to-work opportunities
Windsor has received a $500,000 grant needed to connect Windsor River Walk trail with Riverfront Recapture’s own trail near Riverside Park in Hartford.
WINDSOR — The town of Windsor has received a $500,000 grant from the state Department of Transportation that will be used to clear and construct the last 850 feet of trail needed to connect Windsor River Walk multi-use trail with Riverfront Recapture’s own trail near Riverside Park in Hartford.
The trail segment is part of the overall system that crosses the Connecticut River and connects the Charter Oak Greenway to South Windsor, Vernon, East Hartford, Manchester and the East Coast Greenway. Officials said its completion, expected by late this year, will increase bike-to-work opportunities between Windsor and Hartford and east of the river. The trail will also provide walkers, joggers and bicyclists an opportunity to exercise along the Connecticut River and open space along it.
Windsor Mayor Donald Trinks said Thursday that the grant will “allow a substantial piece of the River Walk puzzle to be added,” and that any opportunities to add outdoor recreational activities for residents is worth pursuing.
The estimate to complete the project is $750,000 to $775,000, including a crossing over Decker’s Brook and contingency. Riverfront Recapture is expected to help the town secure additional funding, officials said. Construction is expected to begin in late 2021.
The grant is the result of a partnership between the town and Riverfront Recapture, which made a presentation to the town council in August 2019 on its efforts to expand north to the Windsor line, including a new riverfront park at the end of Meadow Road at the town line with Hartford.
Riverfront Recapture also acquired 60 acres of riverfront property on the Hartford, Windsor town line that will enable it to construct a multi-use path from the boathouse in Hartford to the Windsor town line.
Michael Zaleski, president and CEO of Riverfront Recapture, said Thursday the organization is always looking for ways to expand access to city parks and the Connecticut River.
“Thanks to this funding and our partnership with the town of Windsor, the vision for a connected river walk will become a reality,” he said. “Whencomplete, our park users will be able to walk, run or bike from the south end of Hartford to Windsor.”