Chaplin has been awarded $85,993 for the Helen Garrison Open Space Project through Connecticut’s 2026 Recreational Trails Grant Program, according to the governor’s October 1 announcement.
The award covers planning and design, construction, maintenance, amenities and outreach. It is part of a roughly $10.5 million package for 50 trail projects statewide, selected through a competitive review by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection with the Connecticut Greenways Council.
State Sen. Jeff Gordon’s office separately highlighted the Chaplin award on October 2. Both announcements describe funding for the project; neither provides a construction start, opening date or detailed list of improvements. Residents should distinguish the grant award from a completed project.
The state says the program’s projects are intended to improve or expand public access to trails. This report is based on official funding announcements, rather than an independent assessment of work at the property.