Kiosks' Signs Guide You Through Park

You should be able to find your way around heavily wooded Veterans Memorial Park much easier now. And you can learn much more about the 245-acre Barrington park as well.

Three wooden kiosks with signs that include a map of trails and a host of information about the park were installed last week by members of the Veterans Memorial Park Trails Committee.

Do you know, for example, how tranquil Brickyard Pond, surrounded by the park, came into being? You will know if you visit the kiosk nearest the park entrance just southwest of the Bayside YMCA.

The kiosks were installed on the eastern side of the park – the most developed section. The kiosks were constructed last fall by Eagle Scout Brandon Purcell and other Scouts in Troop 6.

“Each sign includes a map of park trails, visitor guidelines, and information on the park: its dedication to all veterans, brickyard history, wildlife and plant life, vernal pools, and aquatic features illustrated with photos,” said Helen Tjader, a member of the park committee as a representative of the Barrington Land Conservation Trust.

“In honor of our veterans,” Tjader said, “each panel includes at least one quotation from a veteran reflecting on the nature of military service from the Revolutionary War to Iraq and Afghanistan.”

The multi-colored signs were created by graphic designer Sara Kriz. Research on the park’s history came from every member of the committee. Research on the veterans was done by Conservation Commission chairwoman Cyndee Fuller and Planning Board member Jean Robertson.

The signs are protected from the weather by sheets of Lexan plastic, said Town Planner Phil Hervey.

The color-coded trails are marked in orange, blue, green, red and gold. With the signs, you can now tell the length of each trail before you start.

Park rules also are spelled out in detail.

The most recent improvement also benefited from a collaboration with a National Park Service consultant, John Monroe, who has been working closely with the committee to improve the park over the past year.

A fourth kiosk and sign on the western side of the park near the boat launch off of Legion Way will be completed soon. A public celebration of the past year’s improvements is planned for National Trails Day, June 2, said Tjader.