Following the COVID pandemic, it is clear that patrons are using recreational areas more for health and fresh air. One of the most popular destinations for people of all ages has been our outdoor trail systems. During the past year, Oswegatchie Hills Nature Preserve and our other local trails have seen unprecedented usage.
Town of East Lyme
Notice of Public Hearing
East Lyme Community Center
41 Society Rd
Niantic, CT 06357
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, of a public hearing to be held by Darrow Pond Subcommittee on Monday, May 22, 2023 at the East Lyme Community Center at 41 Society Road, Niantic, Connecticut beginning at 7:00 p.m. to receive comments on the:
DARROW POND MASTER PLAN
Said plan includes proposed enhancement to 100 acres of the Darrow Pond Property under management by the East Lyme Parks and Recreation Commission. The property is located on Mostowy Road in East Lyme.
Proposed Darrow Pond Master Plan Map
Interested persons are invited to attend and be heard.
Dated at East Lyme, Connecticut, on this 12 day of May, 2023.
EAST LYME PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
In the North end of town on Mostowy Road, sits the Darrow Pond property which is located at the Eastern end of the Goodwin Trail. This property, designated as open space, has all the makings to be a beautiful recreational area for many to enjoy. Currently, the parking area encompasses space for just a small number of vehicles, which as of recently, is often filled-to-capacity. The secret is out, and the Darrow Pond property has quickly become a must-visit for outdoor enthusiasts.
While this property is not yet identified under Parks and Recreation management duty, it has been thoroughly discussed at recent commission meetings, and the early stages of planning have begun to take shape.
Recently, Todd Donovan, a Parks and Recreation Commissioner, was appointed to chair a committee on this project. Some ideas include: hiking and biking trails, a mountain bike pump track, a handicapped accessible kayak/canoe launch on the pond, a disc golf course, a dog park, and a picnic area.
Currently, our department does not oversee a recreational area with passive recreation options like these, and this would be an incredible addition to our community.
If you haven’t yet visited this property, we encourage you to do so and experience the serenity and beauty that it has to offer. It doesn’t take long to see the recreational potential and importance of ensuring this property remains green space for you to escape to and utilize for your enjoyment.
Is there anything you’d like to see included in a recreation area that you think our town is lacking? Please complete the survey regarding this space. Let us know how you feel about the plan, what we may be missing, or what could be included to encourage your family to get outside and partake in healthy activities!