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> Special Sections > Special Features > Worthington Pond is a gorgeous getaway
Worthington Pond is a gorgeous getaway
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(above) Dan Roulier and his dog Max take in a quiet morning at the pond. Reminder Publications photo by Natasha Clark
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By Natasha Clark
Assistant Managing Editor
SOMERS Though Dan Roulier refers to himself as a "city slicker," there is no urban sense about him as he drives his utility vehicle throughout his 90 acres of land. His curly haired companion, Max, leads the expedition, trotting along in front of the vehicle, familiar with every twist and turn of the path.
Roulier stops occasionally to point out the maple sugar house, beef cattle (which take a cautionary step back with just two barks from Max), the ongoing miniature train development and its depot and the large pond beavers transformed from a stream 50 years ago.
The place seems to have a whimsical aura about it as soon as you pass through its gates, a world hidden within the rural world of Somers, Conn. With mountains as its backdrop and rows of colorful flowers, winding trails and park benches, it's the closest thing to a real life Never Never Land. This place is Worthington Pond Farm www.yourwebsitehere.comand Gardens.
"People get to enjoy the [model] train, trails, architecture and the openness," Roulier said in summary.
His vision of Worthington Pond continues to evolve from when he first purchased the property in 1999. A Springfield real estate developer, Roulier said he always had a soft spot for nature. The site has several signature points: the maple sugar house produces 100 gallons of syrup a year; 2,000 feet of train track has been laid and leads to Garden Railroad soon to be surrounded by running water, lights and a mock city which also includes a replica of East Longmeadow's well-known train depot; a yellow bridge constructed from native trees and fastened by trunnels is about seven feet above a pond water outlet designed for hosting events, it's lined with wooden picnic tables and a great view of the center of the property; walking trails reveal an outdoor classroom set up near the main path where visiting students can get a first hand lesson on nature and its life cycle; a man-made pasture leads to beef cattle that Roulier eventually donates in the form of ground beef to nearby organizations for the homeless; and park benches give an awe-inspiring view of the large pond that is surrounded by green forest, lined with sharp-edged snags and inhabited by beavers with a large lodge on the other side of the pond.
Worthington Pond will have concession stands, hayrides, guided tours and seasonal exhibits. It is also still a location where Roulier would like to continue to host company team building days and parties. One of his favorite ways to utilize the property is with educational environmental programs.
"Schools have hosted Earth Day here, done water quality testing, [learned] about reptiles and observation," Roulier said. "There is a life cycle here."
Roulier said groups such as Youth With a Purpose visited the farm thanks to a grant from Hasbro Games. He has also been involved with handing out scholarships of his own for the last 20 years.
"When you have success, I think it's important to give something back to the community," Roulier said.
With the future of gas prices uncertain, Worthington Pond Farm may be a good place for families to spend the day in a cost efficient manner while focusing on the fun in today's current economic funk.
Roulier is also looking to fill employment positions for hayride operators, environmental trail interpreters, model train operators, grounds maintenance, food service workers and ticket cashiers.
Worthington Pond Farm is located at 359 Mountain Rd. in Somers, Conn., and will operate on Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Sundays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Mondays through Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For more information call (860) 763-3538 or visit www.worthingtonpondfarm.com.
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