Workers broke ground on Friday, May 22 at Hammonasset State Park as work is set to get underway in the construction of a new Meigs Point Nature Center and West Beach bathhouse.

Governor Dannel Malloy was on hand along with Madison First Selectman Fillmore McPherson, State Senator Ted Kennedy, Jr., and State Representative Noreen Kokoruda for the groundbreaking.

Meigs Point Nature Center has been deemed too small for the approximately 33,000 vistiors it receives each year. A new facility is expected to be able to accomoade large groups and will be filled with new exhibits. The new center will also incorporate geothermal heating and cooling technology and be equipped with solar panels.

The new bathhouse for West Beach will take the place of two restrooms that were demolished as a result of Tropical Storm Irene. The building will also feature concessions, a first aid station, storage space for lifeguard equipment, and house a police office.

Funding for the projects was approved by the State House of Representatives in January. Additional funding is provided by the Friends of Hammonasset. The projects are expected to create or retain 178 construction jobs.