Hartford Courant: A Deep Divide Exists Over Who Should Repair a Shuttered CT Park. Could It Be Great Once Again?

The 260-acre Batterson Park, owned by Hartford but located in Farmington and New Britain, has been closed since 2015. The state allocated $10 million to clean up the park’s 165-arce pond, remove invasive plants, bring in additional sand for the beach and replace the crumbling concession building and bath house.

Hartford public works was to do the work and the city would partner with Farmington and New Britain to maintain it, together with the nonprofit Batterson Park Conservancy once renovations were complete. While initially scheduled to reopen as early as this year, work was delayed and Speaker of the House Matt Ritter eventually called for the state to take over the park.

The state legislature in June tapped the Department of Energy and Environmental Protectionto study recreation and redevelopment options and the feasibility of public-private partnerships for the park. The final report is due to the state’s environment committee by Jan. 15, 2024

The state is now planning on gathering input from residents on what to do with the property. Public comment sections are planned in Hartford, Farmington, and New Britain.

The first public comment hearing will be held in Farmington on Monday in town council chambers. The second hearing will be held at the Hartford Public Library on Wednesday at the downtown library branch at 500 Main St. The third hearing will be Thursday in the New Britain Police Community Room at 10 Chestnut St. All of the meetings will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. and will be accessible on Zoom. Click here to read the entire article.

The Daily Outdoor Retailer: Outdoor Industry Contributes More Than $1 Trillion to U.S. Economy

The U.S. economic impact of the outdoor industry has exceeded the trillion-dollar mark for the first time.

The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Economic Analysis late last week released economic data from its Outdoor Recreation Satellite Account for 2022, showing the outdoor industry generated $1.1 trillion in economic output for the United States, up 19% from 2021.

“The state of the outdoor recreation economy is strong, and sustained investment in outdoor recreation and our shared public lands and waters pays dividends for our local and national economies and quality of life,” said Jessica Turner, president of the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable, in a news release. “Our industry continues to provide benefits to communities across the country – big, small, urban, and rural alike.”

“Outdoor recreation is not only a source of physical and mental health benefits but also a key driver of job creation and economic development for rural and urban communities alike,” said Taldi Harrison, director of community and government affairs for REI Co-op. “The latest findings from the Bureau of Economic Analysis underscore the importance of continued investments in public lands, recreation infrastructure, and reducing barriers to increase participation.” Click here to read the entire article.

Environment America: VICTORY! Texas Voters Back $1 Billion Fund for State Parks

With 77% of Texans voting in support of Proposition 14, the $1 billion fund for state parks, Environment Texas and the Texas Coalition for State Parks are celebrating what will be the largest investment in nature in Texas’ history.

“Our parks offer breathtaking landscapes and unmatched opportunities for outdoor recreation, including camping, hiking and fishing. These natural spaces also play a vital role in preserving the state’s wildlife and waterways. Given the deep support Texas parks have among Texans, it’s no wonder that Prop 14 passed.” said Luke Metzger, executive director of Environment Texas.

The Centennial Parks Conservation Fund will enable the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to buy land to create dozens of new state parks. These new parks will increase access to nature, protect critical water resources and wildlife habitat, and preserve Texas’ most beautiful places for future generations. Click here to read the entire article.

WeHa.com: Discover West Hartford Series: West Hartford Parks Route

Elizabeth Park, the iconic public gardens, is the beginning of the West Hartford Parks Route: a 24-mile hiking route that passes through public parks and woodlands, ending at the only remaining farm in town, Westmoor Park.

Unlike traditional hikes, this route presents opportunities to enjoy amenities. It purposefully goes through every downtown area to showcase coffee shops, restaurants, breweries, heck even museums, shops, and art galleries. These conveniences may fuel your time on the route as well as support local businesses along the way. The old adage, “the journey is more important than the destination,” comes to mind.

Vibrant public spaces enhance our quality of life. Shared locations, like parks and woodlands, bring people together, provide opportunities to recreate and serve as green and blue spaces in an increasingly paved world. Click here to read the entire article.

Trust for Public Land: The Virtuous Cycle of the Outdoor Recreation Economy

Across the United States, communities are embracing the power of the great outdoors to revive or bolster their economies and attract residents. This is especially true for rural towns and urban cities where once-prevailing agricultural or industrial industries have declined. The transitions are gradual and complex, unfolding in former farming communities, manufacturing centers, and mining hubs. Trust for Public Land has partnered with many such communities in recent years, helping to install mountain bike trails, convert defunct railways to multiuse paths, buy and create town-owned community forests, and reclaim brownfields for new green space.

It’s a virtuous cycle: towns that invest in outdoor recreation attract new businesses which, in turn, attract an active workforce that desires easy access to bike trails and playgrounds, forests, and lakes. Residents have an outlet for exercise and that all-important, but sometimes elusive, immersion in nature. Studies show that time spent outdoors, especially when surrounded by trees and plants, confers all kinds of health benefits, from reduced blood pressure and stress hormones to improved mood and concentration. Thriving businesses, happy and healthy residents, and plenty of green space help communities boost and sustain overall quality of life. It’s a process that’s not only good for townspeople’s mental and physical health. It’s also good for a town’s bottom line. Click here to read the entire article.

WNPR: Why is New England's Fall Foliage so Stunning? Take a Hike to Find Out

New England in the fall is beautiful. As autumn’s crisp chill fills the air, forests don a blanket of vibrant reds, oranges and yellows – seemingly preparing themselves against the upcoming harsh winter.

It’s a biological masterpiece, one fueled by innumerable tiny leaves combining to transform the landscape into a tapestry of natural artistry that attracts visitors worldwide.

I grew up in Connecticut, so I take the season for granted. But fall here really is special. And the question was recently presented to me: Why, exactly, is autumn in New England so vibrant? To find out, I took a hike. Click here to read the entire article.

New England Ski Industry: Mount Southington to Install New Partek Chairlift; Build Snow Sports Center; Expand Parking Lot

The modernization of Mount Southington's lift fleet continues, as the area's oldest chairlift is being replaced with a new Partek triple. The novice Northstar Double was installed in 2001, replacing a novice J-Bar. The Hall double chairlift was originally installed at Craigmeur, New Jersey in 1976. Click here to read the entire article.

Mount Southington Ski Area owners plan to expand parking to accommodate more snow sports students as well as warm-weather activities at the Mount Vernon Road attraction. This summer, the ski area at 396 Mount Vernon Road is adding 2,000 feet of snow making pipe, building a snow sports building that’s four times as large as the existing one and adding ski lift capacity. Earlier this year, Mount Southington bought 426 Mount Vernon Road, a property adjacent to the ski area’s parking lot to the east of the slopes. Click here to read the entire article.

New England Ski Journal: Connecticut Hiking: Five Trails to Try

The New England Ski Journal highlighted five must-try hiking trail in Connecticut. With names like Hidden Valley, Lion’s Head, Lantern Hill, what’s not to love? The featured trails can be found in the northwest (Salisbury), Waterbury region (Beacon Falls, Washington) and the Southeast (North Stonington, Waterford).

“If Connecticut is the gateway to New England, its options for hiking fit the state well. The Nutmeg State offers hikers an array of not-too-challenging options, while mixing in some more strenuous trails in the state’s northwest corner that offer hints of the hikes available in northern New England.” Read the full article here.

Massachusetts Governor Names Director of Mass. Office of Outdoor Recreation

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey and Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Rebecca Tepper announced the appointment of Paul Jahnige as the first Director of the Massachusetts Office of Outdoor Recreation (MOOR).

The EEA established the Office in December 2022 to elevate and enhance outdoor recreational opportunities throughout Massachusetts and the associated benefits to the economy, health, environment, and quality of life. Jahnige will work alongside state agencies, including the Department of Fish and Game (DFG), the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), the Massachusetts Marketing Partnership (MMP), and the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism (MOTT). 

Click here to read the full article.

Press Release: REI Co-op Makes Third Grant Award to Newly Formed Nonprofit to Increase Access and Opportunities in the Outdoors

By Jeff Shaw l September 25, 2023 l Media

(Rockfall, CT) - In just two years since receiving its 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization status, the Connecticut Outdoor Recreation Alliance (CORA) received another $5,000 to advance their mission of promoting outdoor recreation opportunities and stewardship in Connecticut. These funds will enable CORA to present and sponsor the upcoming 5th Annual CT Trails Symposium, host education programs, consult on CT Trail Finder trailside services initiative and build brand awareness. This REI Co-op grant award is the third grant the organization has received, totaling $17,000.

“It’s just remarkable to think that in less than four years, CORA grew from a small, informal group of businesses, user groups, and conservation organizations into an official 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization to elevate the voices of more than 75 outdoor businesses and recreation nonprofits. The grant dollars received is a recognition of the value of promoting outdoor recreation in Connecticut. And all of it is 100% volunteer-driven. I’m excited to see what the next year brings,” said Paula Burton, President, CORA and Member of the Board of Directors, New England Mountain Bike Association.

CORA is also sponsoring an educational session at the “Connecting Connecticut: 5th Annual Connecticut Trails Symposium on October 13, 2023. The session entitled, “Working Together to Grow the Outdoor Recreation Economy,” will focus on how partnerships and collaboration across the public and private sectors can support thriving outdoor economies. Learn how the Maine Office of Outdoor Recreation and Maine Outdoor Brands, along with other organizations and agencies, are working together to build, grow, and sustain the outdoor recreation economy at the state and local level. The Symposium is October 10-13, with events at various locations. Registration information can be found on CORA’s website www.ctoutdoors.org 

In addition to promoting outdoor businesses and recreation opportunities, CORA also:

• works with the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), having collaborated on a number of projects, such as the 2023 Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP);

• advocates annually in the state budget process for more state resources for trails;

• raises awareness of the physical and mental health benefits of being outdoors;

• promotes the establishment of a dedicated statewide Office of Outdoor Recreation; like 16 other states;

• increases access to the outdoors for all residents (such as the above mentioned CT Trail Finder project, identifying lesser known trails and promoting trailside services) and promoting events shared by outdoor recreation groups.

“REI is proud to partner and support local advocacy for life outside. We recognize the critical role that outdoor recreation partners play in advancing those causes,” said Neil Johnson, REI Milford store manager. “We’re thrilled with the progress CORA has made to further their mission to educate, inspire and mobilize stakeholders across Connecticut to support outdoor recreation.”

As a member-owned co-op, REI invests deeply in the outdoor community, supporting efforts that create access to - and steward - the outdoor places that inspire us all. To learn more about the co-op’s investment, click here.

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About Connecticut Outdoor Recreation Alliance (CORA)

CORA is a concerted effort to grow outdoor recreation by supporting the development of Connecticut’s outdoor recreation economy. We believe outdoor recreation is created through the intersection of resources (parks, trails, waterways, etc.), users (hikers, boaters, skiers, etc.) and supporting organizations (businesses, nonprofits, educational institutions, etc.). As businesses and supporting organizations and individuals, we stand for the protection and promotion of the outdoor recreation resources used by visitors and residents of Connecticut.