SOUTHWICK – Southwick’s rail trail has helped some local businesses said Parks and Recreation Commissioner Daniel Call.
Although the trail passes by few businesses, those near the Miller Street parking lot have definitely seen an economc boost over the past few years since the rail trail was created.
“Red Riding Hood’s Basket is an example of how a rail trail can be good for the economy,” Call said. “They have bike racks and picnic tables and they are always full. And the tables inside are always taken up.”
Call said the neighboring pizza parlor also has been busier.
“There are always bikes outside,” Call said. “and it’s not just people from Southwick going to these places. They’re from Simsbury and Granby and now Westfield.”
Call said the Southwick bike shop has benefitted from people purchasing and repairing bicycles and using the shop’s new loaner program.
Call said Southwick isn’t large, but it has definitely received an economic boost. Call also believes Westfield could see the same benefit as its rail trail expands.
“Ever since we had the rail trail, people have asked us when they could get to Westfield, and they meant downtown Westfield,” said Call. “Now that it extends to East Silver Street, it’s by Big Y and it’s easy to get to Park Square and access the restaurants and shops downtown. I definitely see those things happening in Westfield.”
“Rail trails could play a part in some way in the economy of Southwick, Westfield, Simsbury and Granby,” he said.
