Heron Cove Park
Situated along the Willimantic River, Heron Cove Park is one of the official parks of the town of Tolland, Connecticut. In 1993, the town authorities purchased the 35 acres land, and converted it from a sand and gravel pit into a scenic spot with unique characteristics. It is quite simply a humble place where locals and nature enthusiasts can enjoy different recreational activities.
An interesting feature of Heron Cove Park is the rectangular paved area that is used as an outdoor ice skating rink during winter. Therefore, the park is never deserted regardless of whether it?s summer, winter, or any season of the year. It was first opened in December 2003, and since then has been a popular park amenity. Next to the rink is the park?s basketball court, which covers an area of 90? by 100? and consists of four hoops. The court is well maintained and properly fenced, making it suitable for practicing sessions and games. Residents of the town are often seen in the Park.
The 300? x 195? soccer field at Heron Cove Park is another offering that the park has. It is situated right across the rink and the basketball court. It is often used by the local soccer clubs in Tolland for practices and season games. In addition to these athletic fields, the park is also equipped with chairs and picnic tables for spectators to watch the games.
In 1999, as part of an Eagle Scout Project, a canoe launch was built at the North end of Heron Cove Park. Experienced canoers and kayakers can launch their canoes here in the quick-water portion of the Willimantic River which can be quite a thrill.
Like many other parks in Tolland, Connecticut, Heron Cove Park too has exciting hiking trails that are surrounded by maple, oak and birch trees for hikers. The park offers two short loop trails, one on the upriver side and the other on the downriver side. The upriver loop is a quarter-mile long trail, while the downriver loop is of a shorter distance. In spring, these trails welcome a variety of migratory birds and can be a sight not to be missed by wildlife fans.
After visiting the park, one would certainly agree that Heron Cove Park is a small, but a rather pleasant place to explore. For Tolland locals, it is a site where they can go to relax and enjoy doing activities that help them relax.
