OLD LYME — The Old Lyme Open Space Commission has announced in a statement that the parking lot on Whippoorwill Rd. used by visitors to the Ames Open Space and McCulloch Family Open Space properties was closed July 1, 2020.
The owner of the parking lot has graciously allowed the town use his private property for many years for parking, but recently rescinded permission in anticipation of a possible land sale.
In response, the Old Lyme Open Space Commission is actively exploring the feasibility of a new parking area on town land along the pentway (driveway) leading to the McCulloch property, adjacent to the former parking area. As this may involve an archaeological assessment, survey and engineering work, land clearing and lot construction, it will likely become a future property amenity.
In the meantime, the Open Space Commission has announced the following access changes to trails:
Ames Open Space
- The Whippoorwill Rd. access to the Ames Open Space will be closed until further notice. This trail connector has been periodically flooded, rendering it unusable for periods of time in the past. Closure will resolve this issue and also allow beavers to occupy open space property without disturbance.
- Ames Open Space trails may be accessed from the existing Evergreen Rd. entrance.
McCulloch Family Open Space
- The yellow trailhead in the McCulloch Family Open Space will be accessible only by pedestrian and bicycle access. Vehicle parking on the pentway leading to this trailhead is prohibited.
- The yellow trail remains fully accessible for visitors and hikers, but without a parking area. This trail may also be accessed via either the property’s Tree in the Gap or Flat Rock Hill Rd. entrances, both of which remain fully open.
- Maps showing the alternate open space entrances are available on the town website.