The Register Citizen (Torrington, CT)
Trails network to reveal ‘mysteries’
Program will map efforts to create local pathways
TORRINGTON — The Torrington Trails Network wants to share its work with the community, and is inviting interested residents to a program Sept. 11 at the Sullivan Senior Center to hear about it.
“Trail Mysteries Revealed” begins at 1 p.m.
The network, led by a group of volunteers with efforts including establishing hiking trails and a community greenway, aims to “make Torrington a healthier, more vibrant community,” according to member Mark Linehan.
“What we want to do at this meeting is promote all of the efforts in Torrington that are taking place,” he said. “It’s a general intent we have in that regard — what we often
feel is that people get bits and pieces of information about what we’re doing, but not the whole thing.”
The network’s work on the Naugatuck River greenway, for example, is progressing, with construction ongoing on Park Avenue near the senior center.
“We chose the senior center for this meeting because of the construction of the trail nearby, which is being lined with boulders between the trail
and the river,” Linehan said. “Hopefully, everyone can go out and look at it, and if it’s a nice day, maybe even take a walk on it.”
The Torrington Trails Network, founded in 2010, was established to plan and develop a series of interconnected, multiuse trails throughout the ciry.
In August, members of the Northwest Connecticut YMCA, sponsor of the trails network, volunteered for a project that involves connecting the Sue Grossman Trail in Winsted to the Naugatuck River greenway .
The ultimate goal, mem
bers said, is to create a 44mile trail from Torrington to Derby. In 2013, a section of the old railroad that runs behind Planet Fitness on Main Street was purchased by the city to begin the greenway. Torrington secured $350,000 in federal funding in July for the project, but more funding is needed.
Many people are involved in these projects, and those who are wellacquainted with them are the featured speakers at the Sept. 11 event. They include Mayor Elinor Carbone; city Director of Economic Development Rista Malanca; Frances Moulder, discussing the Connecticut Trail Census, another statewide effort that includes the Torrington group; Aaron Budris, speaking on the Naugatuck River greenway; Judy McElhone, executive director of Five Points Gallery; Mark McEachern, executive director of the Torrington Historical Society; and Greg Briscoe, representing Fit Together, a program at the Northwest Connecticut YMCA. Moderator will be Cathy Ross.
Having so many people involved is how this effort works, Linehan said. “We don’t feel we do anything involving the trails network alone,” he said. “It’s a combination of a lot of groups within the community. This meeting is a way to promote them as well.
“We’re very pleased with the way things are going,” Linehan said.
The Sullivan Senior Center is located at 88 East Albert St. The meeting is expected to last about an hour and refreshments will be provided.
RSVP to waagsha1@aol.com with “I will attend” and the name or names, as soon as possible.