The Park and Recreation department is mulling over four projects that will improve the facilities at Clinton’s Town Beach thanks to $55 ,000 in funding made available from the State.

According to Parks and Recreation director Robert Potter the grant is funded by the State’s available American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, which are meant to help municipalities recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

One project is the instillation of a booster pump for the splash pad.

“When we put the splash pad in, we didn’t realize it would effect the water pressure as much as it does,” explained Potter.

The lack of water pressure was a problem for people using bathrooms while the splash pad was in use since it adversely effected the ability of toilets to flush or the sinks to work. The booster pump is expected to alleviate that issue.

Potter said that the second project would replace the bocce court.

“We’re looking at the possibility of installing a pickleball court where the bocce court is now,” said Potter.

Pickleball,a racket sport combining elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong, has exploded in popularity over the last half decade making court space a premium. An additional court would be a welcome sight for fans of the sport.

The booster pump and pickleball court, combined with replacing the roof and trim on the pavilion, may take the bulk of the money, Potter said, but if there is money left over, there is a fourth project in mind.

“In front of the concession stand we have a hard time maintaining the landscaping. We think it would be a good fit if we have money left to level out the area and put picnic tables there for people who want to eat and look out at the water,” said Potter.

Potter said right now the projects are all in “the paperwork phase” which he said can take a while.

“As soon as we get the paperwork done and the ok from the state we’re good. We’d like to get going as soon as possible, but it’s a process,” Potter said.

According to Potter, State Representative Christine Goupil (D-35) alerted him to the money available for the projects. “She was instrumental in helping with this,” said Potter.