West Hartford Trail Network Grows

WEST HARTFORD, CT — Passive recreation enthusiasts who enjoy a good walk, run or bike ride now have more of West Hartford to enjoy.

The town announced Tuesday it has recently added another half-mile to its multi-use trail that now expands to Fern Street along the Trout Brook.

It's part of Phase 5 of the Trout Brook Multi-Use Trail that connects Farmington Avenue to Fern Street on the northern end, town officials said.

This section of the trail is 2,990 linear feet or 0.56 miles and it features a 10-foot wide paved surface restricted to bicyclists and pedestrians (no motorized vehicles).

New trees and park benches were also added, local officials said.

West Hartford received grant funding to construct this new section from the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection through the federal Recreational Trails Program.

The $648,900 project was awarded to Giordano Construction of Branford.

Town officials Tuesday expressed elation at the expansion.

“We are excited to open the next phase of the trail to our residents. This section of the trail features gorgeous views of the brook and a tranquil recreational experience, away from busy residential roads. It’s perfect for pedestrians and cyclists,” said Helen Rubino-Turco, director of leisure services and social services said.

“The trail is also part of the town’s commitment to the nationwide '10-Minute Walk Campaign' to ensure that everyone has safe access to a quality park or green space within a 10-minute walk.”

West Hartford Mayor Shari Cantor echoed those sentiments.

“We are grateful to the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection for funding this important project that will be so useful to our residents,” Cantor said in a statement.

West Hartford Town Manager Rick Ledwith credited all involved with the project.

“I want to recognize our Engineering Division for their planning and design through all seven stages of this project which began in 2008. Our thanks also go to the Department of Public Works for their part in clearing the space of debris in preparation of the contractor’s work. This continues to be a team effort that town can be quite proud of,” Ledwith said.

Three additional phases of the project are slated for construction in 2022 and 2023, town officials said.

When finished, the entire linear park will stretch 3.5 miles from Elmwood Center to Asylum Avenue.

For the Town of West Hartford's Leisure Services Department, click on this link.