Blazing the Way
2021 saw the completion of two important projects related to information and navigation at Ragged.
You are Here
In the culmination of years of planning, design and generous financial support from Patagonia New Haven the RMF successfully erected new informational Kiosks at Ragged Mountain and West Rock State Park.
It's been a common occurrence to be stopped at Ragged by hikers or climbers new to the crag and asked for directions. Similarly, West Rock visitors often struggled to rectify Mountain Project and Google Maps with the trails on the ground. Now, with these new kiosks, it’s that much easier to find one’s way around.
Both kiosks display trail maps and regulations, as well as sharing the history of the area and information on threatened/endangered resident species. Each also boasts a notice board where information such as events and closures can be displayed. Between the planning, graphic design work and actual installation, each kiosk represents the combined effort of dozens of people over some hundred and fifty odd hours.
Special Thanks
Patagonia New Haven for financial support
Genny Fullerton for map design
Ron Melnick for designing and fabricating the kiosks
New Haven Youth and Recreation for help with content and installation
Everyone else who swung a pick, carried a post or otherwise made these happen
Great Blazes
in collaboration with the Southington Fire Department, the RMF installed trail blazes along the Stanley Hart Pond Trail and the Undercliff Trail.
Earlier this year we were contacted by Chris Fusco at the Southington Fire Department. He was working on an initiative to install numbered, reflective trail blazes on local trails. The idea being that a person calling 911 could say that they were near marker 319 and, armed with a map of marker locations, EMS services could render help with greater expediency. With the 300’s unique to Ragged, there would never be any confusion as to which markers went with which property.
We loved the idea but were hesitant about the proposed design, which was rescue friendly but perhaps a bit intrusive. After some discussion, never has the shape of blazes been debated with such vigor, the RMF decided to get some help. Reaching out to Dave Condon at And How Graphics, we explained our needs and in short order were presented with the above pictured design. While still numbered and reflective, these were more on brand and a better fit for the Ragged trail system. Color coded to match the trail on the kiosk map, these blazes are now installed throughout the preserve as an aid to navigation for visitors and rescuers alike.
Special Thanks
The Southington Fire Department for their tireless service to the community
Dave Condon for design and fabrication
