Schmid Overlook is partially covered by marshland. The looping trail skirts the Willimantic River. Those who like paddling or kayaking can drop in for a quick ride. Birds and smaller fauna have been seen in the marshlands.
The left side of the fork provides sights of the Willimantic River in full bloom when the seasons get warmer.
Schmid Overlook is not just a beautiful property along the Willimantic River. It actually holds a little bit of family history for board member and stewardship chair, Ann Dunnack and her husband, Scott. The Dunnack family homestead, situated on Route 32 in Mansfield, was lovingly nicknamed “The Ridges.”
The family consisted of 11 children, three girls and eight boys. The boys loved to play outside and in particular they loved to play baseball, but being just one boy short of a team they recruited a neighbor whom they called “Dope” to join them. These boys played baseball wherever they could. Willimantic, Windham High School, and Twilight Leagues. Their team was of course called “The Ridges.” The boys grew up but kept playing baseball and after World War II, four of the brothers were drafted to play AAA ball. Eventually, all the brothers came back home to the area and started to play again but needed a field. The Coutu family lived across the street and owned what is now Schmid Overlook. They allowed the brothers to build themselves a baseball diamond, which the Dunnack brothers built with nothing but muscle and a desire to play ball.
Ann Dunnack’s husband, Scott, remembers sitting on the sand dunes with his cousins watching his dad and uncles play. Today, the field is gone, but the property will become a place of community activity once again. Joshua’s Trust has plans to install a loop trail around the property, complete with a bird blind for birders and a bench for those who like to simply sit and enjoy nature. Additionally, there will be a place to drop in kayaks and canoes and the property will be open for fishing. The Trust is excited to create a place where families can make their own memories just as the Dunnacks did decades ago.
Joshua's Trust preserves natural habitats and heritage sites in northeastern Connecticut. To learn more contact:
From Puddin Lane, take the Route 6 divided highway to the Route 32 exit. Take a right at the end of the exit. Follow Route 32 to Cider Mill Road and take a left (almost to the Drive-in, but not quite). Cross the bridge and Schmid is on the left.
There are two parking areas. The first, right by the bridge, is for fishing. The second has the trails and a trailhead sign.
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