Nature - Community - Science
Public Access & Recreation
Chapter 8
Public Access and Recreation | Meriden 2020 Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD)
“The quality, quantity, and variety of parks and open spaces are important attributes that help define the character of a community.” – Meriden 2020 POCD
Public Access and Recreation
Open space and recreational opportunities have advantages for the environment, people, and economy. They support environmental protection in the city while often improving air and water quality. People also have more opportunities to engage socially, relax, and exercise. Property values and neighborhood marketability can benefit as a result. However, these spaces must be accessible and properly maintained to be successful.
8.1 Parks and Open Space
The Meriden 2020 Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD) reports that there are 2,322 acres (or 15% of Meriden) of open space and recreation areas in the city. This amounts to one acre of land for every 25 residents. While the distribution is notable, Meriden aims to direct future efforts at offering safe connections between these spaces, to neighborhoods, and the greater region.
Meriden has a variety of parks and open spaces. The POCD describes Hubbard and Giuffrida as some of the city’s largest parks. Hubbard is divided by interstate 691 into two sections—one being a natural area and the other dedicated to developed recreation. It is home to the “Hanging Hills” which are trap rock ridges well known for their views and height. Giuffrida park is also a popular destination for hiking with trails that feature Crescent Lake, Mount Lamentation, and Chauncey Peak.
The Meriden Green is a unique 14-acre park in the center of downtown. Beyond being an urban green space, it also provides flood control and opportunities for economic development. The Meriden Green was built on a brownfield property that now offers an amphitheater, lawn, plazas, and a pedestrian bridge.
Below is a map that depicts Meriden’s public parks, private and public open space, public schools, and conservation easements throughout the city. Note the significant size of Hubbard and Giuffrida parks in the region’s northwest and northeast corners. The Meriden Green can be found centrally in downtown.
Parks and Open Space in Meriden
Source: Meriden 2020 Plan of Conservation and Development (Figure 51)
Source: Meriden 2020 Plan of Conservation and Development (Table 14)
Source: Meriden 2020 Plan of Conservation and Development (Table 15)
8.2 Trails, Paths, Bikeways
Meriden has a widespread network of trails, paths, and bikeways. Trails like the Metacomet and Mattabesset are some of the main ones in the city. They are part of Connecticut’s 700-mile Blue Trails system. These trails run through Hubbard and Giuffrida parks and are used widely by the public.
The Meriden Land Trust has created a series of maps that outline trail guides for four significant hiking destinations in the area. These include: Hubbard Park, Giuffrida Park, Hanover Pond, and Mount Higby/Beseck Mountain. Different shades of color on the maps represent changes in elevation of 100 feet. To accompany the maps, the Trust has also put together a table of suggested hikes based on difficulty, distance, ascent, and duration.
8.2a Hubbard Park
Hubbard Park has hiking trails that highlight Castle Craig, Halfway House, West Peak and South Mountain. The park has entrances on West Main St. and can be accessed by taking Exit 4 on I-691. The map shows highest elevations on trap rock ridges like West Peak, East Peak, and South Mountain. There are trails for climbing these ridgelines and others that follow level terrain.
Hubbard Park Trail Map
Source: Meriden Land Trust
Source: Meriden Land Trust
8.2b Giuffrida Park
Giuffrida Park has hiking destinations like Mount Lamentation, Chauncey Peak, and a wetland meadow located near Harbor Brook. The park has entrances on Westfield Road and can be accessed by taking exit 20 on I-91. Highest elevations in the area are Lamentation Mountain, Chauncey Peak, and Higby Mountain. Similar to Hubbard park, there are trails for both climbing ridgelines and remaining on level terrain.
Giuffrida Park Trail Map
Source: Meriden Land Trust
Source: Meriden Land Trust
8.2c Hanover Pond
Hanover Pond has a series of linear trails that host views of the Quinnipiac River, Hanover Pond, and Sodom Brook. The pond is located in south Meriden on the Quinnipiac River. The area can be accessed through Oregon Road and parking is on the west side at Dossin Beach. Trail elevation around the river and pond is minimal and can be appropriate for wheels like bikes and strollers.
Hanover Pond Trail Map
Source: Meriden Land Trust
Source: Meriden Land Trust
8.2d Mount Higby/Beseck Mountain
Mount Higby/Beseck hiking trails are known for their views and overlooks of Meriden. They are located along the ridge line—east of I-91. The Hanging Hills, Lamentation Mountain, and Chauncey Peak are featured on these trails. Both Mount Higby and Besek Mountain have high elevations and should be traversed with care. The area also has trails with more level terrain available.
Mount Higby/Beseck Mountain
Source: Meriden Land Trust
Source: Meriden Land Trust
Source: Meriden Land Trust
8.3 Shore Access and Boat Launches
This section is under construction
Sources and Methods
Numbers, information, and maps about public access and recreation were derived from Chapter Seven in the Meriden 2020 Plan of Conservation and Development. More detailed information, including numerical tables to accompany the maps discussed in this piece, can be referenced in this plan.
Maps and tables for Meriden hiking trails were derived from the Meriden Land Trust. Additional information about these trails came from the Trust’s brochures. To explore more trails and access points in Meriden, consider looking at an interactive map produced by the Connecticut Forest and Park Association.
Public Access & Recreation Draft