Leave the forest be...

The Pequonnock River Valley is one of the loves of my life, and I spend about 9 hours a week running and speed walking on the Trumbull section year-round.

I am taking a stand against the plans for a paved trail, switch-backed down through the woods from the Trumbull library area. Those woods already contain a series of single track dirt trails that are used by hikers, trail runners and mountain bikers, who seek an elevation workout. Having been part of the trail community for 19 years, I strongly believe that most recreational users DO NOT want the vertical/hills.

After investing that huge amount to take down trees and drop pavement over dirt, the usage on the newly created vertical surface will be minimal. Most recreational walkers and cyclists want a flat surface for their outings.

So many ways to allow better trail access without disrupting the forest, and the wildlife. The money would be better spent expanding parking areas for the existing trail, including the paved portions north of Whitney and south of 127 to Beardsley park. The Old Mine lot can be expanded by 75% and opened to non-residents. Similarly either Twin Brooks or Unity can be tweaked for additional trail access, including many other existing flat paved miles of surface. Or even acquiring the property for sale just north of the Whitney lot and adding additional parking there, right next to the paved section that leads to Old Mine Park. Eager to hear others thoughts on this.