It looks kinda cool..My money's on someone tripping

painting the trails is a CT tradition. this is the orange trail, not as spectacular as the blue trail(Metacomet trail) but well marked so the average hiker does not get lost or trip and fall.

Marking trails tastefully so that hikers can find there way understandable, but this is more obnoxious and takes away from the natural surroundings. In addition the orange trail is not between Orange St. and Whitney Ave.

I'm not sure why the trail was marked up - would also like to hear from Parks Dept.

Making a trail safe us commendable. However, covering every single tree root in orange paint is totally unacceptable. The average hiker expects to encounter rocks and tree roots on a trail. If you find tree roots too dangerous there are many off trail walking options in New Haven. I have hiked in many places in CT and never saw anything like this. My question is 1) who did this 2) who authorized this and 3) how can we prevent the distruction if further trails?

I hate to bump on Stefanie's post, it should remain as one of the only ones on here , until the question is answered.
Painting tree roots is not really acceptable , that's a crucial part of a tree's existence, you don't want a tree absorving chemicals.
I hope nobody got seriously hurt by tripping on one.Maybe more stone fill in these areas?

I heard a rumor today that the Wilbur Cross High School Track team is responsible for this. Can anyone confirm or deny this?

Yes. That is true. The paint is supposedly biodegradable. Of course, it would speed things up if it rained.

How about covering the trail with mulch / wood chips?

I doubt it is possible to get wood chips there. Have you ever volunteered mulching or putting down wood chips with FERP elsewhere in the Park?

Yes, I have helped FERP, mulch, etc.
Moving wood chips, down there, would be a workout.

I actually think the trail is fine. Do we have an issue with a lot of people tripping or falling? Maybe mulch or wood chips would mask rocks that are now readily visible (even without the orange paint). If rocks need to be highlighted temporarily for a school event, would chalk not be a better choice?

Wood chips would wash away very quickly at rainfall.Float away

It's not going to happen anyway. There are many other places that need more attention where we mulch or put down stone or stone dust to reduce wash and to keep them safe. Not sure why the paint was allowed, but I am quite sure it won't be used again. I do hope everyone who has commented comes to our next FERP workday which is October 19th from 10 to 1. Meet at College Woods. The best way to improve the park is to get involved personally either by working or donating to fund projects. Thanks!

The assumption that the responsibility lies on Wilbur Cross is correct. Wilbur Cross's Cross Country team had a race in the park. The paint is biodegradable and will disappear soon. We appreciate your concern and patience with this matter. Thank you.

It's a trail, not a sidewalk.

Thanks everyone for your input. Can't wait for this paint to be gone to enjoy natural fall colors. I hope to see everyone on the 19th for the FERP workday.