May 8—WINDSOR — The town recently received a $552,500 community investment fund grant to close the gap between the Hartford and Windsor trail system and build a pedestrian bridge spanning Decker's Brook.

This trail extension is a part of a project spearheaded by Riverfront Recapture, a nonprofit organization that manages four parks along the Connecticut River.

Riverfront Recapture purchased 60 acres of riverfront land on the Hartford-Windsor line for $625,000 in Dec. 2019 to build a new community park.

Town Manager Peter Souza said a concept design for the park has been developed, but is unsure when construction would begin.

Included in the concept design is an event lawn, multiple spots to overlook the Connecticut River and Garmany Cove, which will offer a fishing pier, floating docks and various paddle sports.

Construction of the bridge and trail extension could start in the summer of 2024 as Riverfront Recapture is still obtaining permits from various land use and environmental agencies, Souza said.

The $525,000 grant was announced at a press conference last week at Dandelion Energy.

Windsor Mayor Donald Trinks was present along with Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz, Department of Economic Community Development Deputy Commissioner Robert Hotaling and Department of Energy & Environmental Protection Deputy Commissioner Hank Webster.

Souza said that money, partnered with $500,000 in state funds received in 2021 and $50,000 in federal American Rescue Plan Act funds, would cover the cost of the Windsor trail extension and bridge construction.

"This was the last piece of funding to get the bridge constructed," he added.

This project will connect the Windsor trail to Hartford's Riverside Park.

Collin covers South Windsor, East Windsor and Windsor for the Journal Inquirer.