MIDDLETOWN – A group of consultants has presented a proposal for Middletown to develop recreational trails on its watershed property at its reservoirs outside city limits.
Carter Strickland from the Trust for Public Land presented the common council with their recommendations for the trails on the 1,250 acres of property that would be available for a host of activities from walking and running, to biking, hiking, hiking nature studying and dog walking.
The concept comes from Mayor Joseph DeStefano, who said the administration is “very excited about it.”
City Recreation Director Christine Brinkerhoff said the proposal would be a perfect fit to enhance the outdoor activities the city offers now.
“People are looking for a place to walk,” Brinkerhoff told the council. “They want a safe place to walk where there aren’t vehicles. They want a place to walk where there are other people and they feel safe, and I think this project will be such an asset, not just recreationally for the City of Middletown and surrounding area, but economically just as huge.”
Alderwoman Kate Ramkissoon said the project is “outstanding.”
Once formally approved by the common council, the recreation area would be developed in three initial phases.
The proposed trail system would also connect residents to downtown via the Heritage Trail.
