Friends of Brightwood Park
  • Home
  • PRESERVE
    • Ecology
    • Invasive Species
    • Ponds
    • Clean Ups
    • Trails
  • ENJOY
    • halloween-22
    • Photos
    • Birding >
      • greenHeron
    • Trail Maps
    • Calendar
  • B W Kids
    • Nature Detectives - the latest news
  • History
  • Who We Are
    • Chuan-Chu Chou Blog
    • Perspectives on the Park
    • MemberInfo
    • presidentReport-1Q-21
  • Shop
  • JOIN
  • biancaTemp
  • loisTemp
  • Home
  • PRESERVE
    • Ecology
    • Invasive Species
    • Ponds
    • Clean Ups
    • Trails
  • ENJOY
    • halloween-22
    • Photos
    • Birding >
      • greenHeron
    • Trail Maps
    • Calendar
  • B W Kids
    • Nature Detectives - the latest news
  • History
  • Who We Are
    • Chuan-Chu Chou Blog
    • Perspectives on the Park
    • MemberInfo
    • presidentReport-1Q-21
  • Shop
  • JOIN
  • biancaTemp
  • loisTemp

Sustainable Trails in Brightwood
new trails are currently low priority

Brightwood Park has 1.4 miles of trails, some running along old roadways and others through  old growth pristine forest.  

The Friends of Brightwood walk the trails frequently, noting areas that need maintenance or restoration due to weather or vandalization. 
Good trails require little maintenance other than periodic removal of fallen trees or other hazards and delimbing or pruning to maintain trail width.

If any trail damage or obstacles such as fallen trees or branches is seen as you walk the trails please notify Westfield Department of Public works directly. Notifying the Friends of Brightwood park would allow us to follow up on any repair or removals that may be needed to be done by the town.

Trail Status:
The current trails will eventually need some improvements as one or two areas tend to flood after heavy rains and with increased use during the Covid period there has been increased erosion in places which needs to be addressed. However there is currently no requirement for additional trails.


​Trail Map of Brightwood Park
Picture

Picture

Trails in Brightwood are multi-use

Most trails in Brightwood are narrow; the primary users are walkers but biking is permitted on trails.

These trails are not conduits to a destination, they are, themselves, the destination.   The Friends of Brightwood is working to make the experience of walking the trails as interesting and quiet and beautiful as possible.

We bikers to be thoughtful and and considerate of all other trail users, especially hikers and family groups, dog walkers, etc.  Please be aware that there may be pedestrians around the next corner.

Multi-use trails work if:
  • There are many primary users but only a few secondary users.
    ​
    -Trails for Small Acreages, University of Arkansas, Dept. of Agriculture



Biking at Brightwood
biking on trails is permitted on designated trails, but let's be thoughtful

  1.  In such a tiny park, ecological restoration is not compatible with active recreation in the same spot. - Emile DeVito, Manager of Science and Stewardship, NJ Conservation Foundation, after visiting Brightwood Park in 2020, 
Currently there are no single use trails at Brightwood Park.  The Friends of Brightwood are focussed on restoring the ecology of the park, particularly in the areas that have native, intact soil.  

Building new park trails, particularly in the pristine areas,  is discouraged by the environmental studies  See the 2020 Brightwood Ecology  Report.  

Picture

Location

Brightwood Park is on the North end of Prospect Street.  Go past Franklin School and look for the entrance on the left.

What Our Members Are Saying

"I love the work you are doing at Brightwood.  Your efforts have shone a light on the essential elements of the park that we all cherish: its natural beauty and tranquility."

"I have a deep fondness for Brightwood park and would like to see it restored, remain natural and continue to be a site of passive recreation."

"I loved growing up in Brightwood Park !"


"I found Brightwood a few years ago and it's a great place to find wildlife, fish, and enjoy nature. Nice and quiet; good place to un wind and relax. Love it!!!"

​"As a resident for almost thirty years in the Brightwood area of Westfield, I am thrilled to see what is happening to improve and preserve Brightwood park for today and future generations. "


Contact Us


Become a Member!  We'd Love to Have You Join Us.