The next phase of Main Street Connections Park construction is underway, and officials expect it to be finished by the end of May. The move will provide more recreational opportunities to Old Saybrook visitors and residents.

Main Street Connections Park is across the street from the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center at the site of the former police station. Designing the park has been a long-time project for the town, starting over five years ago. Now, the second phase of construction has begun.

In a press release, the town announced that “The new section of the park will have a sidewalk connecting Lynde Street to Main Street with lighting, trees and benches along the way. This phase of the park is intended for passive recreational activities and will also host two bocce courts.”

The work is being completed by Martin Laviero Contractor, Inc. The second phase of the park’s development is being funded by a $500,000 Urban Action Grant and $100,000 in town funds.

“This park is the latest step in our goals to increase the walkability and connectivity in our community, specifically in our town centers,” First Selectman Carl Fortuna said in a statement. “We are excited to have received the Urban Action Grant allowing us to increase our public green spaces, provide additional connections to our vibrant Main Street and to encourage outdoor recreation. The collective amenities from both phases of the park’s construction make it an important addition to our Main Street for residents and visitors.”

Phase one of the construction was completed about five years ago with the help of a $500,000 STEAP Grant. That phase included building a parking lot, pickleball courts, and lights. Eventually, an electric vehicle charging station and a public bathroom were added.

Interest in further building the park was renewed in 2023 when the Board of Selectmen was given a presentation on the next phase of construction. At that time, Fortuna noted that the park is bordered by a residential neighborhood, so the idea was to keep the park’s offerings somewhat low-key.

“A passive park mostly due to the fact that we cannot have an intense use in this space due to lack of parking and also that it borders on a residential neighborhood — Sherwood Terrace. But it should be a great place to bring the dog, play Frisbee,” Fortuna said last year.