Updates to Plattwood Park are just about complete. The park’s new ballfield will be ready for this year’s season of Little League, said First Selectman Dick Smith, who hopes the remaining work will be completed by the middle to end of April.

“This park looks great, and once all the work is completed it will look even better,” said Smith.

Through Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP) grant funding, Deep River was able to make additions to the park, which already housed the town swimming area and beach, a playground area, picnic tables, a skate park, and basketball court. Now, thanks to the $400,000 STEAP grant, as well as an additional $50,000 from the town, the park will also be home to a brand new little league field and an Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant walking and fitness trail, complete with workout station equipment. The trail/path is five feet wide, with concrete sidewalks. It spans a 0.2-mile loop with six fitness stations.

“It’s all coming together nicely,” said Smith, who explained that there is more clay to be put down on the field, a brick sidewalk needs to be completed, granite curbing awaits installation, and the parking area needs to be paved.

“There are still some things that need to be done, but it is looking good and residents are already using the path and the machines,” he said.

The project required that a portion of 4,600 square feet of wetlands on site be disturbed and cleared, with an additional 150 square feet of disturbance in the pond for irrigation purposes. Inland Wetlands Commission approval was given for the project, but not without compromise—instead of installing the usual 225-foot field, the town reduced the size down to a 200-foot field, so not to cause any increased disturbance to the wetlands in the area.

“We are very excited about this project,” said Smith. “We think this will be another great addition to the area, which will allow Plattwood Park to be used to its full potential.”

He added, “I can’t emphasize enough the importance of STEAP grants to our town [from the state]. The funding enhances our quality of life, not only for the residents of Deep River, but for visitors from out of town who also come to enjoy and utilize our park.”

Entrance to Plattwood Park is free for all Deep River residents. Non-residents can purchase a season pass for $200, or they can pay $20 to park a car with 4 people in it, for the day to use the facility. People using only the skateboard park may park for free.