Wigwam Pond, a water body made up of 23 acres, has improved its water quality over the years and is now the home to beavers, birds, and a variety of fish. Unfortunately, there is currently limited access to the pond. Abutting parcels are either under private ownership or have natural constraints (wetlands), and nearby publicly available parking is limited. Accessibility is further challenged by the presence of natural and invasive vegetation, steep slopes, and large piles of yard waste. Public access is currently limited to a relatively unknown and poorly maintained paved path and canoe/kayak launch adjacent to the existing Rent-A-Tent facility.
Access to green space has innumerable socio-economic and environmental health benefits. Open space provides active and passive recreational opportunities for people to hike, walk, bird watch, paddle, fish, meditate, and more. There is a growing body of research showing the connection between human health and well-being and the design and structure of towns and their connection with nature. Those who have access to nature have shown reduced stress levels, decreased evidence of depression and improved general health. It is important that all neighborhoods have access to nature.
