GOOD news abounds for the Norwalk River Valley Trail. Here are the latest announcements from the organization, including a very hefty donation from none other than the Newman’s Own Foundation.

Norwalk River Valley Trail Receives $20,000 in Grants from Newman’s Own Foundation

The NRVT received $20,000 in grants from Newman’s Own Foundation, the independent foundation created by the late actor and philanthropist, Paul Newman.

The NRVT is a multi-use trail with a vision of extending for 30 miles, connecting Calf Pasture Beach in Norwalk through Wilton, Ridgefield and Redding and terminating at Rogers Park in Danbury. The NRVT will be a 10 foot wide, handicap-accessible trail creating recreation opportunities for walkers, hikers, cyclists, kids and pets. It also will offer a healthy transportation alternative to access rail stations, schools, offices, and businesses. To date, eight miles of trail have been completed in Norwalk and Wilton.

“It’s very exciting for the NRVT to be recognized by Newman’s Own Foundation, a leader in philanthropy.  These grants will be a big help in meeting our 20% match for the WilWalk section connecting Wilton and Norwalk, and with increased operating expenses resulting from the strong growth of the NRVT,” said Patricia Sesto, president of the Friends of the NRVT.

Newman’s Own Foundation uses all net profits and royalties from the sale of Newman’s Own food and beverage products for charitable purposes. Since 1982, Paul Newman and Newman’s Own Foundation have donated over $540 million to thousands of charities around the world.

“Newman’s Own Foundation is pleased to support Friends of the Norwalk River Valley Trail in their efforts to extend a trail from the Norwalk Coastline to Danbury,” said Kelly Giordano, managing director of Newman’s Own Foundation. “It will be a great asset to the local communities, providing recreation and alternative access opportunities through the central section of Fairfield County.”

Eagle Scout Candidate Installs New NRVT Signage and Kiosks

Colton Lovell, with Scout Troop 14 in Norwalk, is designing and installing new signage and kiosks on the Norwalk River Valley Trail (NRVT) as his Eagle Scout project. The project includes installing the new NRVT sign at the intersection of Wolfpit Rd. and Rte. 7 (pictured above), as well as designing, building and installing new NRVT kiosks at Rte. 7, Autumn Ridge Rd. and Twin Oak Ln. in Wilton.

“I chose this project to encourage people to use the Norwalk River Valley Trail, to help people know the rules for safely using the Trail, and to help keep the Trail looking great,” Lovell says.

Teaming up with his father, Mike Lovell, the Eagle Scout candidate is planning to have all the new kiosks in place by the end of April.