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05/09/2017 04:00 PMThe Shack has been saved and now it is time to celebrate. On Saturday, May 20, residents are invited to join Eagle Scout candidate John Markowski at the Guilford Town Marina to formally celebrate the rehabilitation of the iconic Grass Island Shack.
Markowski established “Save the Shack” as his eagle scout project back in 2015. In September 2016, Markowski and a crew of nearly 40 volunteers and professional contractors began work on the shack. The old deck and roof were replaced, the center structure was straightened and reinforced, and a new coat of paint was applied. The project officially wrapped up on Nov. 23, 2016.
The town currently owns the little red shack. The current structure, once privately owned, was erected in 1930, after a fire burned down a circa-1900 summer cottage on the grounds. In the 1950s, it was pushed up the beach to higher ground to avoid rising waters. In 1963, the shack and its perimeter of land were acquired by Guilford.
Through his eagle scout project, Markowski raised close to $28,000, $18,000 of which was used for the original renovation and the rest saved for future maintenance. Unfortunately, future maintenance became necessary sooner than expected. On Jan. 26, Markowski went out to the shack to see how the structure had weathered the recent storm and discovered vandals had kicked out the wood designed to keep visitors from accessing the second level and roof of the building.
Markowski reported the damage to the Guilford Police Department, the First Selectman’s Office, Parks & Recreation Director Rick Maynard, and Facilities Director Steve Neydorff. Markowski said the damage has recently been repaired by the Town Facilities Department.
“We still do not know who is behind the vandalism and the town is still working to develop a plan for how to secure the shack in the future,” Markowski said.
However, with the shack now repaired, it is ready for the formal Grass Island Shack Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Saturday, May 20 at 2 p.m. Markowski said the event will recognize all those who donated to the project and volunteered. Guest speakers will include First Selectman Joe Mazza, Parks & Recreation Director Rick Maynard, State Representative Sean Scanlon (D-98), and Eagle Scout Project Mentor Oliver Bishop.
Food vendors will be on site throughout the event as well as local artists selling Grass Island artwork and merchandise. In addition, a free boat service is available during the event to shuttle people from the marina to Grass Island to view the renovated shack up close.
“Hopefully there will be a good turnout for the event,” said Markowski.
The Grass Island Shack ribbon cutting ceremony is Saturday, May 20, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Guilford Town Marina. The rain date is Sunday, May 21. For more information on the Save the Shack project, visit www.savetheshackguilford.com.