Heritage Park & Trail Groundbreaking Marks Big Step For Project
Town officials and representatives of the Sandy Hook Organization for Prosperity (SHOP) gathered to break ground for the Sandy Hook Village Heritage Park at 7 Glen Road on May 18.
The activity kicked off the first phase of construction for the project, said Michael Burton, SHOP president.
“The Heritage Park project has been six years in the making. It is a partnership between the Town, SHOP, and many generous donors,” said Burton. “Collectively, we are transforming a blight into a beautiful asset to the community. It will increase everyone’s property value and give the business community the ability to increase their volumes as a result of increased parking and recreational space.”
A number of town officials attended the ceremonial groundbreaking event, including Selectman Maureen Crick Owen, Legislative Councilman Matt Mihalcik, and Kimberly Chiapetta, representing Newtown’s Economic and Community Development office.
“I’m glad to see this project get off the ground and that it will come to fruition,” said Crick Owen. “It’s added value to Sandy Hook and the town.”
“I think this is a great spot to start the trail,” said Mihalcik. “The American Rescue Plan and Legislative Council funded the sidewalks. This will be a great hub for the whole trail.”
The Heritage Park & Trail in Sandy Hook is planned to be a community space on a piece of town-owned property that SHOP leases for $1 per year. The park will include a pavilion, 30 public parking places, and a green space that extends down to the river.
To date, SHOP has received grants for the project from The State of Connecticut, The Town of Newtown, Flint Ridge Development, and Newtown Savings Bank.
SHOP will continue fundraising for Phase Two of the project: The Heritage Trail, which will include a wayfinding map of the trail locations at the 7 Glen Road location. Burton estimates the group has raised 75 percent of what it needs.
For more information and future fundraising events, visit sandyhookvillage.com.
Associate Editor Jim Taylor can be reached at jim@thebee.com.