Farmington’s Bike Walk Committee Faces Split Decisions on Split Rail Fencing, Board of Ed Representation, and Trail Enhancements
The Farmington Bike Walk Committee convened its latest meeting to address ongoing trail maintenance, infrastructure updates, and the push for Board of Education representation. While public comment was expected, it did not materialize, leaving committee members to deliberate a range of topics, from split rail fencing to wayfinding signage.
Split Rail Fencing: A Necessary Barrier or Unnecessary Maintenance?
Committee members debated whether certain sections of the town’s extensive split rail fencing should be removed, modified, or replaced with more durable alternatives. The discussion centered on aesthetic concerns, longevity, and effectiveness, with some advocating for a timber guardrail similar to Simsbury’s Iron Horse Boulevard.
“We have too much split rail in town,” one member stated. “It’s in places where we don’t need it, like the side of the trail by the parking lot. There’s already a steel guardrail there.”
Another member agreed, suggesting a change in design. “Something lower, like what they do up in Simsbury along Iron Horse. Solid wood, maybe 12 to 18 inches off the ground. A would look better, B would be more effective, and C, it would last longer.”
The town’s investment in a wood mill was also noted as a possible advantage. “We actually went ahead and made construction stakes for my department today,” a representative said. “But in the coming weeks and months, we’ll be making new fence posts for the trails.”
The discussion ended with agreement to consider replacing sections of split rail fencing as they break rather than automatically rebuilding them. “We’re not going to take anything down unnecessarily,” one committee member clarified, “but as it needs to be replaced, we should rethink what we put up.”
Board of Education Representation: Invitation or Obligation?
A recurring topic was the vacant Board of Education (BoE) seat on the committee. Despite the town council’s original intent to include a BoE representative, the position has remained unfilled.
“I talked with Jean Barron,” a member explained. “She suggested that we formally ask the Board of Education for a time slot to present our committee’s role and importance. If they don’t grant that, then several of us could speak during public comment.”
Another member challenged the necessity of convincing the BoE at all. “When this committee was set up, there was supposed to be a BoE representative, just like the police department has one. They have to fill it. Should we be asking the town council to push them?”
A town official clarified, “It’s not a requirement, just an open invitation. They don’t have to accept.”
The committee agreed to draft a presentation and attempt formal outreach again. “There’s new leadership at the schools,” one member noted. “With Kathy Greeter retiring, we need to speak with Dan Zatuan. I’ll keep pushing for this.”
Trail Enhancements: Signage, Safety, and Water Access
Signage and road markings were a major concern, particularly the disappearance of sharrows and cyclist lane markers. “Do we replace ‘Cyclists May Use Full Lane’ with ‘Three Feet to Pass’ signs?” one official asked. “Consistency is key in traffic design.”
A review of trail maintenance also revealed concerns over missing trash cans and graffiti. “I noticed today, one of the wayfinding signs is hanging down—probably the wind,” a member noted.
“There’s graffiti again on the overpass,” another member added. “It’s on the river roadside, heading toward Burlington.”
Officials confirmed that additional trash bins would be installed by April 1. The discussion then shifted to the newly installed water fountain near Oak Ridge. “I was surprised to see it there,” one committee member admitted. “I thought it would be in the larger parking lot.”
A town official explained: “That service line was put in 20 years ago when Oak Ridge was developed. It just never got used. Running a new water line would have been much harder.”
Future Plans: A Community Forum and Cultural Loops
Looking ahead, the committee is organizing a Bike Walk Vibrant Community Forum, tentatively scheduled for September. The event will focus on economic development, school curriculum, safety initiatives, and complete streets planning. Panel discussions will include representatives from local government, advocacy groups, and urban planning experts.
Additionally, Farmington’s new designation as a Cultural District prompted discussions on creating a “Cultural Loop” for cyclists and pedestrians. “The new pamphlet about Farmington’s cultural districts mentions how pedestrian and bike access was key to the designation,” one member noted. “We should connect that with actual signage on the trails.”
Another member suggested a simple but effective approach: “Something like the Appalachian Trail—just a small green marker so people can follow the loop.”
Next Steps
Before adjourning, members highlighted the need to coordinate with regional planning groups on trail signage and grant opportunities. They also noted ongoing maintenance needs, including graffiti removal near trail underpasses and upcoming resurfacing projects that may integrate additional bollards for safety.
With the town’s infrastructure projects moving forward, the committee continues to balance preservation, modernization, and safety—one section of fencing at a time.
This report is brought to you by Farmington Storage, your premier solution for all things storage in Farmington, CT. Find us at 155 Scott Swamp Road or call 860-777-4001. Because your bikes—and everything else—deserve a proper home.
Jack Beckett ☕ Senior Writer, The Farmington Mercury
When not reporting on Farmington’s latest infrastructure debates, Jack is found over-caffeinating at local coffee shops and contemplating the town’s split rail obsession. Want more news? We’ve got it all:
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