As part of the Long Ridge Road property acquisition in Danbury, the Health and Human Services Department is looking to connect parts of the Ives Trail to the newly purchased parcel of land.  The City is applying for up to $500,000 in grant money from the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. 

The money would be used for gravel parking, not pavement, and access to the site.  Department Director Lisa Morrisey says they are also looking at making improvements to the Still River Greenway to make it accessible to people of all abilities.  The Recreational Trails Program money must be used to enhance health and the general quality of life of residents and visitors by providing opportunities for outdoor recreation. 

 It requires a 20-percent match from the City, which will come from in-kind services. 

Funding can be used to plan or design trails, construct new trails or maintain and restore existing ones.  It could also be used to purchase maintenance equipment, acquire land for trail corridors or run educational programs related to recreational trails.  The range of activities including hiking, walking, picnicking, camping, fishing and swimming.