By Kendra Bobowick

Curling through the rustic landscape or slipping between trees are shadows settling in the hollows at Fairfield Hills. Wooded areas shading several older and crumbling roadways and a fresh route recently cut into a gentle hillside will soon be paved, handicap-accessible trails open to runners, bicyclists, joggers, or anyone interested in climbing to the “beautiful ridge,” in particular, explained Fairfield Hills Authority member John Reed.

While some sections along the trail can be more of a “nature walk,” Mr Reed said that a lot of thought accompanied the authority’s decisions for the trails. “It tries to introduce something that maximizes the use of Fairfield Hills for the greatest number of citizens.”

The trails, which will one day travel the circumference of the more than 180 acres the town purchased from the state, are not only part of the land’s master plan for redevelopment, but fit into a larger concept.

“The idea? There are few places in town with sidewalks,” Mr Reed noted. While discussing reuse plans for the former state hospital buildings and grounds, authority members, officials, and others considered the question: “How do we maximize the beauty of the campus?” Mr Reed said. Trails were “conceptualized” for a specific reason. “I think there was the realization on the town’s part that passive recreation needs are important … we feel it will be a resource.”

Already a glance through the fence reveals playing fields lined with coaches and parents cheering on their teams, pet owners tugged along by their dogs, inline skaters, joggers, parents pushing strollers, and the infrequent kite fluttering back toward the ground. Before work, during a break, or spending time after school or on weekends, residents constantly occupy a field, roadway, or trail — getting their exercise and enjoying a view of open fields, tall grass bending in the meadows, and the chattering sounds of birds and wildlife. Adding to his explanation, Mr Reed said, “Our goal was to put in something that takes the sidewalk areas that are popular now on campus and continue it.” Walking, biking, inline skating, jogging, and bicycling are all on his list. The trails should not interfere with existing Newtown Bridle Lands Association’s networks for horseback riding.

With wider paths connecting portions of improved road-turned-trail, and intersecting newer lengths of walkways along an American With Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant slope, possibly more residents will visit Fairfield Hills. “There are people using it now, and hopefully be delighted to share it with others,” Mr Reed said. “This excludes no one,” he said. Aiming to offer a little more, he explained, “Eventually there will be small exercise stations throughout, maybe aid in warm-ups, etc. We think it adds another dimension.”

Roughly ten feet wide, the trail system will have room to move. “I think it’s ample if someone has a baby carriage, someone can still jog by,” said Mr Reed. Acknowledging that some residents would prefer a more rustic trail bed rather than pavement, Mr Reed said, “We wanted something that can be maintained throughout the greater part of the year, and also considered little kids and handicapped situations. For someone looking for rougher trails, this isn’t designed for their needs. For more rugged [terrain] there is the rest of the acreage.” The surface has to accommodate more than hiking boots, but wheel chairs, bicycle tires, and young, unsteady feet, for example. Authority Chairman Robert Geckle added, “The first parts being done are handicap accessible; others are woodland trails and not necessarily handicap accessible.”

Two portions of what will be the new Fairfield Hills trail are areas leading from different points, toward a water tower. The access roads are disintegrated once-finished surfaces that the Newtown Highway Department head Fred Hurley said were already in line for resurfacing. “Piggybacking,” on those plans, the trail system incorporates these areas, Mr Reed said.

Beginning at the parking area near Cochran House, a road at the back of the campus, which is now closed off to the public as the town works on its resurfacing, leads to a water tower. Roughly two-thirds of the way toward the tower is the newer portion of trail. “We cut over [an area] that maintained a handicap grade to access the beautiful ridge and reaches the vista that maximizes the beautiful site,” Mr Reed noted. A third portion of trail flows down from the ridge to the front of the campus and reaches the cul-de-sac at the end of Mile Hill Road that runs parallel to Wasserman Way.

With Phases I and II underway — the resurfaced road leading from behind Cochran and Yale Houses and the newer disabilities-compliant grade — Phase III and eventual additions are to come. Public Works Director Fred Hurley is optimistic. “People will have something they can use right now, not later,” he said. He anticipates that the paving will be completed in the next two weeks.

Just in time to accommodate the anticipated rise in campus activity, Mr Reed noted, “Before, this was a deserted campus — it was easy to walk in the streets, but it’s going to get busier.” As the spring and summer come back around he hopes to see new faces enjoying the vistas, open fields, and grounds.

With Newtown’s sidewalks along the busiest stretch of Main Street near the Edmond Town Hall, and several in and near Sandy Hook Center, the rest of town lacks room for foot traffic beyond the curb. The trails through Fairfield Hills will be a resource, Mr Reed said. Funded in part by reimbursement grants, the Public Works and Parks and Recreation Departments are doing the work.