The Farmington River Watershed Association was founded in 1953 to protect the Farmington River and…read moreits coastline. It covers an impressive area of 600+ square miles in CT and MA that includes 33 towns and seven recreational areas. All those square miles can accumulate quite a bit of unwanted trash, so once a year the Association holds an Annual River Clean-Up for volunteers to clean up what our thoughtless neighbors have tossed aside. Today, we were part of a massive 250 person swarm of those volunteers from across the Farmington Valley. We signed in at the Association office and were offered breakfast; fresh bagels and cream cheese (courtesy of Brookside Bagels) and coffee (courtesy of Starbucks). We chatted with some of the other volunteers and noticed a group of 8 kids who were there for a birthday party. The birthday girl was 9 years old today. How cool is that? We received our work gloves and trash bags and set off for our destination. Some of the places that were targeted for clean-up were the Tariffville Gorge, Curtis Park, and Iron Horse Rails to Trails. We headed over to Curtis Park, and walked the soccer fields, brush and shoreline. Scraps of paper, cigarette boxes, soda and beer bottles and cans, Dunkin Donuts cups and bags all found a home in our trash bags. One thing that didn't make its way into our bag (hell, we couldn't even lift it!) was a humongous truck tire and rim that some considerate litterer dumped near the shoreline so nature lovers wouldn't back into it while parking their vehicles. Curtis Park wasn't too bad for litter, so we headed over to the Tariffville Gorge where we found a more generous bounty of trash. While the litterers at Curtis Park mostly seemed to be beer drinkers, the litterers at the Gorge seemed to prefer hard liquor because we found a bonanza of nip bottles and pint bottles. We also found an old rusted fender and a hunk of a car muffler. Some of the other things we found were drink boxes, a plastic quart of motor oil, and quite a few supplies for the do-it yourself smoker. We filled our bags and headed back to the Association office for a very nice lunch donated by Simsbury businesses, Little City pizza donated ten pizzas, Antonio's Restaurant chipped in with fifty grinders, and Fitzgerald's Supermarket provided a huge amount of cookies for dessert. What a great day we had. We chatted with dozens of civic minded community service minded folks, we met two very dedicated leaders of the Association, we observed great support by the business community, we saw some spectacular scenery, and we picked up a lot of nasty trash that will never find its way into the river to harm the fishes and pollute the watershed. That's a pretty good day in my book.

I'm amazed by the beauty of this place!…read more MDC operates the water treatment plants located at this reservoir. This is a privately owned area and not a public park. There was MDC Police that patrolled the area when I was there. Parking was plentiful when we went on a beautiful spring weekday. There were clean porta potties onsite. There were trails in the woods and out in the open; the trails were paved and gravel. It is opened daily from sunrise to sunset and closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas. There were two trails; 3.4-mile loop red trail and 2.0-mile loop yellow trail. We started off with the gravel yellow trail that has a slight incline. Then we got onto part of the red loop which was near the bridge overlooking the water. We saw a couple of deer in the woods, geese, and turtles in the water. This is where we walked on pavement. Some of the trees were marked by type. The trail was busy with walkers and bikers. Overall, I really enjoyed the hike/walk and can't wait to go back.

The WH Reservoir has been my peaceful playground and refuge since the '70's…read more Hard to believe that State Connecticut had a planned to construct ring highway through the hills beside the Reservoir. Following public protest and legal battle(s) the project was shelved indefinitely back in the 70's. This was also about the time, vehicle traffic was barred on many of the back MDC roadways. What was left, beautiful network of paved and foot beaten paths. Everyday day of the week, the public are welcome to walk, jog, saunter, bicycle these mapped trails. Mountain biking has been throttled down significantly due to excessive wear and tear on the wooded areas. Biking still remains popular long designated routes and in a one-way pattern (for everyones safety). Pedestrians: Please mind the painted walking path, eyes on drifting into the bike path - that way ALL will enjoy. Kilkenny rock has been one of my favorite destinations (refer to an MDC map) this is a nice overlook of the Hartford sky scape. Trails also connect from the Farmington Avenue entrance across to Route 44 passing over Avon Mountain. GPS and one of my favorite apps "All Trails" are helpful even to a season chap like me.

"Down by the old mill stream Where I first met you"…read more(The Mills Brothers) Mills Pond Park is an embarrassment of riches, both natural and man-made. There's a trail that takes you down to a pretty pond, waterfall, and wetlands. There's a recreational bonanza of options, with an Olympic sized pool, tennis courts, two baseball fields, basketball courts, a football field, a park, a softball field, a skate park, two pavilions, a soccer field, wading pool, and playgrounds. There's even a large public art display at the park's entrance which I've reviewed separately. https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-canton-gate-canton?hrid=_woQOmg74ws2Myhd1Zb0mA&utm_campaign=www_review_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct) One thing ruined our perfect visitor experience. As we were walking around the ballfields, we saw a guy in a gray hoodie and gray pants with his black lab running around freely. They were hundreds of feet apart and he was yelling at the dog to come over. But the dog didn't because he or she was busy squatting and taking a dump on the ballfield where kids play. Did Mr. gray hoodie clean up after Fido? Nope, he just ignored that steaming pile of dog doo, leashed up his dog when it finally sprinted over, and calmly walked away along East Hill Road. The selfish, careless, inconsiderate arrogance was incredible to witness. So, if you're playing out there on the fields, watch where you step.

A large and clean neighborhood park. It has all you need to get fresh air and exercise…read more Tennis courts, basketball courts, pool, baseball/soccer field, playground, small gym equipment, skatepark, and a view of the pond. There is a pavilion with a few picnic tables; you can contact Canton recreation to reserve them for a party. The parking lot has plenty of spaces. There's no trail, just a small paved portion behind the skatepark. I saw plenty of people walking around the park and around the field. My kids really enjoyed playing in the playground. There's a double swing you can put your small child in and you can sit on the swing as well; that was a first for me. A gem and I'm lucky to live close by and be able to use this establishment.

I'd like to start by noting the Alsop Meadow is a quiet gem, tucked away off Waterville Road and on…read moreNassau Way in Avon. I have known of this Meadow since the 1980's. I actually lived in the original Alsop homestead on Nod Road with 8 other house mates (32.5 rooms, including 5.5 bathrooms) from 1984-86. The Alsop family was & still well known in Avon and its connection to Uncle Teddy, yes, that former President Teddy! The Alsop Meadow is a gifted land trust to the Town of Avon. The land trust features a Farmington River side trail, a peaceful short wooded walk ending at Private Property, which is very clearly marked. An open frisbee golf course starts near the gateway to the Meadow and winds through the trees and the open meadow. A plot of Community gardens are located on the North edge of the Meadow. The gardens also provide a great pollen source for bees and butterflies. A port-a-potty is available and is maintained by the Town of Avon and its lessor. Located near the Canoe launch, placard noting the Alsop's generous gift, and an information board showing the Farmington River trail. If you bring a pup, leashes are required, you're also required to pick-up and carry out their waste. Despite that small sacrifice Alsop Meadow is worth visiting and bring a few frisbees!

Alsop Meadows is a 56.20-acre park located in the Town of Avon. The entrance is behind the Raymour…read more& Flannigan furniture store. The dirt road going into it is very narrow and can only fit one car, certain spots there is a spot to pull off to let other vehicles go. There is a decent sized parking area and a porta potty. A couple of small trails lead to the Farmington River. This is where people take their canoes and kayaks out. I walked on the dirt road through the gates and on the left, there was a community garden. The scent was lovely; ripe vine tomatoes was what I smelled. The rest of the landscape consisted of woods and meadows; there was someone mowing the large, flat, open space when I was there. Around the garden, you won't be able to see the river in the spring and summer, but I'm sure in the late fall and winter, the views and access to the river is great. The park is open from dawn to dusk, daily. The recreational activities include, jogging, walking, hiking, cross-country skiing, and camping. For camping, permission is needed from the Town of Avon. I walked to the end of the dirt road and back; it was a short walk but peaceful nonetheless. I do recommend wearing sunscreen and a hat because there is minimal shade; bug spray too because the mosquitoes were rampant. I saw other people walking their dog and others enjoying the river side. A peaceful spot; however, if you want a longer walk/hike, this doesn't have it unless you walk back and forth a few times.

We've been to Fisher Meadows a couple of times, sometimes to enjoy the quiet and calm, other times…read moreto enjoy the golden hour, and once to enjoy a warm cup of masala chai surrounded by nature. It is a great spot to witness the magic of different New England seasons.

This recreation center is on 250.45 acres and is open year-round from dawn to dusk. There is a…read moredecent-sized gravel parking lot with a small playground with swings, picnic tables, and a pullup bar. There are two entrances to the trails by this parking lot and playground. I saw a huge field that is used for soccer. On the lake, you can fish and use non motorized boats; a boat launch is available. This recreation area is suitable for walking, jogging, hiking, cross-country skiing, biking, canoeing, bird watching, picnicing, and camping; for camping, you need to get permission from the Town of Avon. I walked the red trail then got off that trail halfway and walked by the well pump building; this brought me back to the parking lot. That walk was about 2.54 miles because I didn't want to do the bigger loop. On the AllTrails app, there are two trails in the park; Spring Lake and Fisher Meadows Loops. The walk was easy but there were some flooded and muddy areas. I have a feeling it is buggy in the summer but on this fine sunny March day, it was very pleasant except for getting my sneakers wet. Overall, a great space to enjoy the great outdoors.

This 137-acre property is a wildlife management and training area for hunting dogs. The Farmington…read moreRiver runs besides it and it was a farm that was purchased by the state in the 1970s. The dirt road going into the area is a little conspicuous. The road was very narrow and had potholes that could take you to Australia; just drive really slow. There's a paved bike trail right beside it too. When I went, I parked on the first parking area to the left. I walked down the dirt road (which was muddy due to rain) and saw a huge pond to the right. The pond was clean and pristine with a little beach. There was a long walking path near a giant field that was being mowed the day I went. I saw other people walking, walking their dogs, and even a kayaker. The park was quiet and very serene. There are many recreational activities to do there; hunting, fishing, hiking, and kayaking/canoeing. The main use for this property is field trials; hunting dogs are trained for speed, style, and locating/retrieving of game. The field and water are crucial for this type of traning. When there are field trial trainings, the park will be closed. There is a schedule you can check online to see if the park is available for the public. During the fall and winter, it is advised that visitors and their dogs wear orange vests due to hunting season; however, discharging of ammunition is allowed daily. Overall, it was a lovely area to take a stroll! We had a fun time walking and relaxing by the water.

One of a kind open space to stretch your human legs and your Canines legs, too. My review comes…read moreafter steady visits through all four seasons. Every season has its pros and cons, but this wanderer has to say Fall is my favorite. Important to keep in-mind this is State Open Space for ALL forms of life and they must co-habitat while visiting. This means our canine friends must be well trained and stay within command, so all may enjoy the space. Humans, please monitor your canine and their droppings. Leaving these, no pun, BEHIND, can dampen the experience for other nature lovers. A good practice is to be aware of regular schedule of permitted game clubs and field trials. The following CTDEEP website is my regular reference before setting-out: https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/Hunting/Field-Trial-Dates#NODBROOK Generally spring, summer, and fall are the busy time for the fields or sections where they are closed for safety. Fear not, there are plenty of other times to visit, hike the looping trails with canines off-leash, given well behaved, observe the beautiful natural surroundings, especially the paralleled flow of the Farmington River and view of Heublein Tower off across the valley.

"We're after the same rainbow's end Waitin' 'round the bend…read moreMy huckleberry friend" (Johnny Mercer, Henry Mancini) We followed some of the assorted and differing directions we found on-line for the Huckleberry Hill Recreation Area but could never find a true Recreation Area. All we found was a very narrow trail that needed some TLC because it was overgrown with roots and limbs and obstacles. There are quite a few true parks and recreational areas in Avon with playgrounds and ball fields, and facilities, so I have a feeling something has been misnamed somewhere out in Cyber Space. Anyway, the Yelp address found on this page brings you to the aforementioned trail, which might be ideal for a hard-core hiker that brings along a 55-gallon drum of bug spray.

Such an amazing cool park to take your kids to. It is very serene the background of the hills &…read moretrees & the mountains. A lot to do on the playground for all ages & the big slides Are really cool, they are innovative with alot of things there to do, the swings are across the playground which is a nice set up too. This park is 1 of my favorites to bring my son too

I've reviewed this on the Simbury Farms Recreation page, but I'll add a brief review here also…read more This is a really nice playground located in Simsbury Farms Recreation. It is right next door to the tennis courts. Parking was spacious. The playscape looks new and the playground area was pretty big and fenced in. The large playscape has three levels for the bigger kids. The smaller one is great for toddlers. There is a gazebo with a few picnic tables under it. Down the hill, there are the basketball courts and a smaller, older looking playground. Also, a porta potty is available when nature calls. Overall, one of the best playgrounds I've been to.