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08/02/2022 04:34 PMTown officials received word on July 29 that the State Bond Commission has approved more than $300,000 to upgrade four town playgrounds.
According to First Selectman Angus McDonald, a $325,00 bond will be directed towards upgrading two playgrounds at Deep River Elementary School (DRES). Funds from the bond will also be utilized for upgrades for playgrounds at Devitt Field and Plattwood Park.
State Sen. Norm Needleman and State Rep. Christine Palm announced the funding approval in a press release three days after the Board of Selectman (BOS) discussed the possibility that if the bond was not approved, fundraising would become an option.
“I’m grateful to Gov. Lamont and the State Bond Commission for their support of our local community,” said Needleman. “This funding will provide new recreational opportunities at the elementary school, field, and park, which will provide opportunities for our entire town to enjoy and utilize these resources.”
At the July 26 meeting of the BOS, McDonald noted that the town would need to invest an additional $50,000 for the project. While the exact timeline for the upgrades has yet to be determined, McDonald said he would like to see the playgrounds at DRES in the process of upgrade by the end of the 2022-’23 school year.
“Deep River is grateful to Gov. Lamont, the State Bond Commission, and our representatives in Hartford, Sen. Norm Needleman and Rep. Christine Palm for their continued support of our community,” McDonald said in a statement. “We are aware that there are many deserving projects and the State does not have infinite resources. This funding will have an outsized impact by allowing us to complete a project that will provide our school and community with a safe and creative playground environment for children and families of all abilities to enjoy.”
Upgrades purchased with the bond money are expected to provide longer-lasting and safer opportunities for families and children at the four playgrounds.