Parks and Preserves

In addition to providing a full range of recreational programs for all ages, Mansfield Parks and Recreation Department manages town-owned parks and preserves. See our Trail Guides for more information about the various parks. Additionally, see our Open Space Program to learn more about efforts to protect parcels.

To see current activities with Parks and Preserves, see the Parks and Recreation Catalog.

Links:

Both public and private organizations offer recreation in open spaces in Mansfield and many of them are linked to town parks.

Bicentennial Pond - This pond was created for the 1976 bicentennial. It is the site of recreational activities, including a universal access trail, summer swimming, picnicking, and the Parks & Recreation led "Camp Mansfield" summer day camp.

Lynch Landing - Through a trail license on the Quinn property, the Town of Mansfield maintains a trail allowing public access to the Willimantic River from Depot Rd. Parking is behind the Town-owned Reynolds (Depot) School Building and follow the trail to the Willimantic River.

Joshua’s Trust - A local land trust protecting over 4,500 acres in 14 area towns, including over 850 acres in Mansfield.  Check out their many properties.  

University of Connecticut - As the state’s land grant institution, UConn maintains hundreds of acres of agricultural lands and forest lands the Hillside Environmental Education Park, Spring Manor Farm Trail,  Fenton River, Spring Hill, and North Eagleville Forest Tracts. UConn Institute of the Environment Office of Sustainability for more Information.

Mansfield Hollow State Park- The damming of the Natchaug River by the US Army Corps of Engineers has created a 500 acre lake for boating and fishing.  Download the park map and learn about where to launch your boat or walk the miles of trails.  No swimming is allowed since part of the lake is used for a public water supply.  

Nipmuck Trail - The blue-blazed Nipmuck Trail extends 37 miles from Union, CT to Mansfield Hollow State Park and Sawmill Brook Park in Mansfield.  Maintained by Connecticut Forest and Parks Association volunteers, portions of the Nipmuck Trail are included on privately held land and Town parks and preserves including Saw Mill Brook Preserve, Schoolhouse Brook Park, and Fifty-foot Cliff Preserve. Check out CFPA’s Blue-Blazed Hiking Trails Interactive Map.  

Two citizen advisory groups assist town officials with acquisition and management of the Town’s Parks and Preserves:

The Parks and Natural Resources Committee focuses on preservation and stewardship of parks and natural resources and shall serve in an advisory capacity to the Town Council and other town officials. 

The Recreation Advisory Committee is charged with identifying and evaluating recreation needs in the town. This committee develops and assists with implementing management plans for developed parks that provide facilities for organized sports and more intensive recreational activities.