Table of Contents
The primary recommendation which extends through all four of our target zones is a pathway/recreation trail. The proposed path consists of four parts, which together form one complete system. Each section, however may be implemented on its own. The first part connects the southern and northern ends of Crystal Lake, running alongside the railroad tracks and Route #5, a length of approximately three miles. The dramatic feeling of the lake's length from the north and south is increased by the steep slopes of May Hill at its eastern side. From the opposite side along Route #5, views of the mostly undeveloped May Hill are particularly spectacular in autumn. A recreation path beginning at the southern end of the lake at the boat ramp area and continuing along the western shoreline could cater to bikes, roller blades, joggers, walkers, cross-country skiers, and snowmobiles. (Note: the state's transportation team is presently working on a highway improvement plan which includes improvements along this stretch of Route #5. Perhaps the recreation path could be part of their improvement plan thus distributing the cost of such a development.) In addition to providing local people with additional recreation, the path connected to the village would provide an outdoor tourist attraction which visitors could enjoy. Guests of the bed and breakfast and motel located along the western shoreline would benefit from the choice of walking or biking into town. If this sidewalk area were extended to accommodate multi-uses into the village, people using the path by the lake for recreation such as biking, rollerblading, and cross-country skiing may be more encouraged to visit the commercial center.
A continuation of this recreational path from its junction at the Crystal Lake Outlet through the Brick Kingdom and eventually connecting with the village sidewalk system, is our recommendation. The repaired bridge into the Brick Kingdom and possible access from both a southern point through the right of way from West Street and a northern point behind the building that currently houses the Chronicle are suggested for continuation of the path through the Brick Kingdom and onto a new sidewalk along Water Street. This sidewalk along Water Street would connect the sidewalks along Glover Street to the upper Village; in other words it would connect the Elementary School with St. Joseph's School. (The Brick Kingdom pathway is discussed in detail later.) This sidewalk would provide a two-way link between the businesses and recreational resources.
The sidewalks which are under construction in the village center will create a loop along Routes #5, #16 (Glover St.), and School Street. The Water Street pathway would connect these central sidewalks to the southern end of the village by the Brick Kingdom, the lake outlet, and further on to the southern end of the lake.
The final recommended leg of the pathway would be accessed from Elm Street and along Route #5 just before Congress Court. It could also be accessed by a pathway at the end of Congress Court. The proposed pathway would run along the westerly side of Barton River and create a loop from the Congress Court area to Elm Street through the Village Green area and back to Congress Court. This agricultural setting creates a contrast to the hilly areas inside the village center. Not only could people from the elderly housing benefit from a short loop in this attractive setting, but the recreation path would be extended to the north end of the village. Canoeists entering Barton Village from the north would be able to access the village by docking and then walking into town. The pre-existing snowmobile trail may overlap at a part of this new path and/or be extended via its use. It is advisable to allow some multi-use recreation on the Water Street sidewalk in order to create a contiguous experience for those who use the pathway for recreation via bike, etc. with the idea in mind to connect to this last proposed section of the pathway along Barton River. The possibility of continuing this leg of the pathway into Orleans Village in the future should be taken into consideration.
The following are suggestions for the whole pathway in general. Uniform signage for identification of the pathway at key points (and in both directions) would be crucial for the flow of the pathway traffic. The design of the signs for the pathway should be similar but not identical to the signs used throughout the rest of the village. A median strip in the form of painted lines on the pathway separating recreational traffic would help identify it from intersecting sidewalks or paths and establish the flow.
The following sections will treat each of the four target zones with closer detail and explain how the pathway and other recommendations would benefit the village.
Comments to: crs@uvm.edu Reviewed on 3/28/97