The Governor’s Greenways Council on June 1 commended eight individuals and a volunteer committee of the Last Green Valley that have made significant contributions to the promotion, development, and enhancement of Greenways, linear open space in Connecticut, and designated three new State greenways at a ceremony at the Nathan Lester House in Ledyard. Goodwin College was among the recognized Greenway projects along with Great Oak Greenway, Ledyard, and Captain John Bissell Trail, South Windsor.
“Our State Designated Greenways provide great opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, whether you want to commute to work, exercise or shop using a bicycle, or simply go for a walk on a beautiful day,” said Susan Whalen, Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (DEEP). “Greenways and trails provide opportunities to local residents and visitors alike to enjoy the fresh air, while helping to boost the economy throughout Connecticut by visiting local restaurants and shops along the way.”
Bruce Donald, Chair of the CT Greenways Council and Tri-State Coordinator for the East Coast Greenway Alliance stated: “Trails reinvigorate our souls. They strengthen our bodies. They build our communities in myriad ways we didn’t comprehend even ten years ago. They are a part of the fabric of Connecticut.”
Greenways in Connecticut cover thousands of acres throughout every county in the state and may include paved or unpaved trail systems, ridgelines, or linked parcels of open space. Many communities around Connecticut have chosen, through greenway designation, to also recognize the importance of river corridors for natural resource protection, recreational opportunities, and scenic values.
The South Meadows Greenway at Goodwin College begins at the College’s Living Laboratory, which is ADA accessible with designated handicapped parking and signage. The greenway extends via a stone dust trail that starts at Main Street/10 South Meadow Lane in East Hartford, just over two miles south along the Connecticut River through East Hartford, Glastonbury, and Wethersfield linking to the Putnam Bridge and connecting to the regional trail network. The trail is currently being expanded north via paved trails to connect to the existing campus walking path and sidewalk system.
Tony Matta of the Goodwin College Facilities team speaking at the June 1 presentation.
Goodwin University is a nonprofit institution of higher education and is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), formerly known as the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). Goodwin University was founded in 1999, with the goal of serving a diverse student population with career-focused degree programs that lead to strong employment outcomes.