HomeMy WebLinkAboutProposalHorton Cove Trail
Proposal
Submitted by Tyler Lawton
March 2022
This proposal outlines plans for a foot trail that, once constructed, will greatly
benefit the Montville Community. The trail, on undeveloped land surrounding
Horton Cove, will provide a new location for local residents to enjoy hiking.
Horton Cove Trail Goals
●Establish a footpath for public use.
●Provide an outdoor activity, which has numerous health benefits.
●Allow people the chance to ‘unplug’ and get closer to nature.
●Create a community project in partnership with the Town of Montville,
local businesses, outdoor enthusiasts, and residents.
Map of the proposed trail around Horton Cove. Provided by CLA Engineers.
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Horton Cove Trail Benefit
●Firstly, contact with nature has been proven to reduce stress and
increase happiness, and it has been shown to reduce violence, too.
●Establishing a trail on an undeveloped lot may increase the value of
surrounding properties.
●Residents who utilize
the trail may be
happier on average,
resulting in a better
community.
●The kiosk at the
trailhead will allow
residents to display
information for public
events, which may
increase community
activity.
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Horton Cove Trail Location
The location for this proposed trail is the undeveloped town land surrounding
the Public Safety Building at 911 Norwich-New London Tpke. There are
roughly 14 acres currently without developed infrastructure.
*Montville GIS, accuracy not guaranteed
●This area is ideally located on Route 32, one of the most traveled roads
in the town. It is also on the shores of Horton Cove, part of the Thames
River, which is one of Montville’s most prominent geographical features.
●There are already many natural points of interest along the trail.
●This location has natural terrain that is very good for supporting a
hiking trail.
●There is good visibility and security surrounding this location.
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Horton Cove Trail Design and Layout
The trail will be approximately ¾ of a mile long* and will encompass a
variety of terrain, such as boulder fields, hills, a Mountain Laurel patch, and
some bridges.
The trail will have 5 water crossings, requiring 4 bridges, a mix between bog
and beam bridges, and one will use stepping stones. There will also be bridges
in areas that may become too saturated after rain. This will help protect from
erosion, as well as make the trail easier and safer.
Beam Bridge
Bog Bridge
Beam Bridge
with railings
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Some highlights of the trail include, but are not limited to:
●Numerous Japanese Maple Trees
that are beautiful during
Autumn;
●Two fields of glacial erratics
(boulders moved by glaciers
thousands of years ago) for
hikers to explore and find their
own path through;
●A grove of Mountain Laurel,
Connecticut’s State Flower;
●Wildlife such as deer, rabbits,
and many birds and amphibians;
●And a Spring Box containing
drinkable water that may be
connected with a side trail if time
and budget allow.
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Site Work
The path for the trail will need to be cleared to allow safe passage.
A kiosk will be installed at the entrance to the trail. This is where maps and
flyers will be displayed.
The trail will be blazed to show the appropriate route.
To protect against erosion, water bars and/or other erosion mitigation
techniques will be implemented where needed.
Note: This example shows a more extreme
example of water bars than may be necessary for the
proposed trail.
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Cost and Funding
The cost to construct the proposed trail will be minimal.
Money will be raised from donations and fundraising, and some will be earned
through grants.
A crowdfunding goal of $1,500 will be set for establishment of the proposed
trail. This will be matched by Sustainable CT.
All of the fundraised money not used during construction of the trail will be
released to the town upon completion.
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This proposal for establishing a hiking trail around Horton Cove is being presented
for your consideration and approval.
There are many opinions regarding the benefits and necessity of outdoor activity,
such as hiking trails. This proposal will try to explain the benefits of a hiking trail,
as well as address the concerns of those who question or oppose the creation of
one.
Outdoor activity, and, by association, hiking, offers a wide variety of health
benefits. One example is that being outside is proven to reduce stress and improve
mental health. It has also been shown to reduce frustration and violence, leading to
a safer community.
This trail will also allow more space and variety for outdoor recreation. Such
activity is a simple way to live a healthier lifestyle. Having another place to be
able to engage in healthy activities, such as hiking, will be beneficial to the overall
health of our community. This trail will be closer to many residents than the trails
at Camp Oakdale, which means it may be much more convenient to use.
There are also numerous economic benefits of having a hiking trail in a
community. Installing a hiking trail on undeveloped land may increase the value of
surrounding properties. Similarly, adding more infrastructure to a community is
proven to benefit the quality of living.
Safety is an important aspect of having a good foot path. To ensure that the
proposed trail will be safe, the trail and all bridges will be properly and safely
constructed. The trail will consist mostly of relatively flat terrain, and it will be
blazed thoroughly to ensure all users know where the path is.
As previously mentioned, the proposed trail will have a few footbridges to allow
hikers to walk safely and to minimize ripitatin damage. There will be 1 bog
bridge, 3 beam bridges, and one stepping-stone. There will also be some smaller
bog bridges to prevent erosion in areas that may become too wet.
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The proposed location for this trail is terrific. Not only is it located just down the
road from the Town Hall and the Montville Commons, but it is located on a
prominent geographical feature of Montville, that being Horton Cove.
As previously shown, there are many unique features on the land for the proposed
trail. There is a diversity of woodland plants and trees, as well habitat for many
kinds of local wildlife. This includes two boulder fields, multiple brooks and
streams, and many beautiful sights over Stony Brook and Horton Cove. Anyone
who hikes this proposed trail will be sure to enjoy it.
In closing, I would like to say that I think a new hiking trail would prove a great
addition to the town’s current parks and recreation choices. I have worked on this
proposal hoping that progress can be made towards establishing this trail and
bettering our community, but I understand that if this project does not have support
from you, this vision may not become reality.
Therefore, I sincerely hope that together, we can work out any details that you may
have questions about.
Thank you for your time.
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