Mitchell College aims to make trail network more accessible

New London ― A state grant will enable Mitchell College to improve a network of trails nestled inside a 26-acre public park on Montauk Avenue.

The $396,960 grant, awarded by the Connecticut Trails Grant Program through the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection last month, will fund several improvements including the completion of a concrete promenade; the addition of stone dust to natural surface trails; and the installation of stone curbing on the trail edge of the pond.

The Mitchell Woods: Accessibility in Action project will also add boardwalk railings, signs and benches, along with signs featuring auditory, tactile and textural cues for hearing- and sight-impaired individuals.

Work is estimated to begin in the spring 2025 and take about 12 to 18 months to complete. The project will offer a mile of fully accessible recreational trails in the park.

“Since initial improvements were made to Mitchell Woods almost 10 years ago, we have received many requests to increase accessibility even more,” Mitchell College President Tracy Y. Espy in a news release. “We are excited to create the best experience possible for all trail users, including visitors from the New London area and greater Southeastern Connecticut community.”

Espy said several organizations participated in a project-needs assessment, including the New London Senior Center, the LEARN Regional Educational Service Center and the South East CT Community Center of the Blind.

In addition to trails and a pond, Mitchell Woods boasts a basketball court, two Little League fields and the Children’s Learning Center at Mitchell College.

The grant will support project planning, design, construction, maintenance and amenity work.

j.penney@theday.com