About two-dozen residents participated in the event, some with small children in strollers and carriers, as the group made its way from the Woodbridge trailhead on Clearview Road about 1.5 miles to the Orange entry point on Racebrook Road. The commissions had arranged for the hikers to be picked up at the end of the trail by a school bus driven by Chris Sorensen and returned to the hike’s starting point. All told, the event lasted just under two hours.
Jason also thanked First Selectman Ellen Scalettar (who participated in the hike along with her husband Bob), for her support of the CCW's work, and member of the Board of Selectmen Anthony Anastasio, who is the liaison to all three commissions and attended the hike.
CUPOP Chairman Sheila McCreven also spoke to the group, describing how the Racebrook Tract is categorized by that commission as open space that is permanently protected. She said, “Open Space grants from the state played a major role in financing [the purchase of the Racebrook tracts]. The town was able to purchase the land from the Regional Water Authority because water company property includes what is known as a ‘first right of refusal’ to the municipality in which the land is located before it can be sold.”
CUPOP members Lor Ferrante and Marty Halpin (who brought his two young daughters along for the hike) also helped out with preparations, which included having fruit, trail bars and water available for participants at about the halfway point of the hike.
WCC member Richard Krueger came up with the idea of the commissions sponsoring a hike on this property to draw attention to because many town residents don't seem to be familiar with it. He participated in the hike with his granddaughter and great-grandaughter, highlighting the opportunity for multi-generational use of the passive recreation opportunities in Woodbridge. Tom Kenefick, another member of the WCC, also helped with preparations and setup, and participated in the hike.
Bob Hill and Andrea Weinstein of REC pitched in to help publicize the event, and were also on hand to discuss outdoor recreation activities and other opportunities for residents to enjoy what the town makes available. If residents are interested in regular walks at the FitzGerald Tract at the corner of Beecher and Center Roads, REC sponsors an informal group, coordinated by Andrea, that meets every Saturday morning. Further information is available on the town website's REC page or by emailing Andrea.
