Kilowatt Park and Wilder Greenway

 

This is a quiet neighborhood park with picnicking facilities, port-a-potties, fishing, a boat ramp, a hydroelectric dam, and winter activities like sledding, ice skating, and snowshoeing. The park even includes a chalk library with chalk available for anyone to express their creativity! The park is split into two units, north, and south, connected by a short lakeside trail. Parking is available at both access points. Many of the park's facilities are closed in winter, and no bathrooms are available. However, the grounds are still open, and parking is available at both the north and south units, at the Wilder Dam, and at Dothan Brook School (when not in session).

The stroller running route is about 1.8 miles and connects Kilowatt Park with Dothan Brook School via quiet neighborhood streets, sidewalks, and a greenway. My kids love to ride their bikes or scooters alongside the stroller! Starting at Kilowatt Dam, follow Passumpsik Avenue to Gillette Street, turn left. cross Route 5 and take the sidewalk to the right for one block. This will turn into a greenway which you can follow for about a mile before reaching Dothan Brook School. Just before you reach the school, look to your right for a hobby farm with chickens, ducks, goats, and more! If school is not in session, the playground and sports fields are free to use. Dothan Preserve encompasses the hills behind the school and offers more trails accessible from beyond the baseball fields. 

 

There is also a great Little Free Library in front of the school with a wonderful selection of books for kids of all ages. Return via the reverse route to Kilowatt Park. Detour on some neighborhood streets to add mileage to your run. After your day at the park, head to King Arthur Baking Company in Norwich for a cup of coffee and a muffin or a full lunch. On Saturdays 9-1, May-October, stop in at the Norwich Farmer's Market for fresh produce, baked goods, and much more!