Landscaping Will Complete Tercentennial Memorial

By Kendra Bobowick

Local artist Brigette Sorensen envisions changes to the “green space” in front of town hall that will add the final touches to Tercentennial Memorial work.

Shuffling a series of sketches on the table before the Board of Managers Monday night, Ms Sorensen described a few scenarios for placing boxwoods and yews around the small lawns flanking the entranceway to town hall. Specifically, she wants to “soften the edges around the hardscape,” she said.

Board member Sandy Motyka agreed. “There is so much hardscaping out there that you need the contrast — something to soften it.” Regarding the stonework and benches that make up the memorial, Ms Motyka said, “It’s lovely what they did, but hard edged, so we need something.”

Recently set in place is the memorial — a parklike setting of benches, a paver displaying the tercentennial logo, and granite stonework around the small patches of lawn — the last step in celebrating the town’s 300th anniversary, which passed in 2005. Since the single and double-sided granite benches were nestled along the walkway along with the paver, the last pieces of the memorial puzzle are  shrubbery and inspirational inscriptions.

“It’s a simplistic plan,” Ms Sorensen said after describing a few different shrub configurations to surround, line, or just spot the lawns and seating.

Aesthetics and function are part of the equation, she explained. Noting her own preference, she said, “I like making more of an intimate space.” Along with the quiet setting that encourages residents to sit and rest, Ms Sorensen also hopes the memorial will prompt reflection. She is just working on the wording, she said Monday. “We’re considering wording from Judge Edmond, to link the building to him,” she said. Mary Hawley, Newtown’s notable benefactress, gave the Edmond Town Hall to Newtown and named the facility after her grandfather, Judge William Edmond. Sensitive to Ms Hawley’s intentions, Board Chairman Jay Gill said, “We want to look carefully” at potential inscriptions.

Leaving the meeting and the decision in the managers’ hands, they selected option two, which includes lining the grassy area with yews. Boxwoods would be located near the flagpole on the left-hand lawn and between benches on the far and near sides on the right.

Ms Motyka has a distinct impression of what plants will work in front of the town hall.

“This is an 18th Century building design, and it needs a green sward in front of it…something simple that will complement the building,” she said. Considering the planting suggestions, she continued, “Boxwoods are complementary, and they look good most of the year.” Mr Gill considered the renderings he saw Monday and believes the finished planting “will look sharp.”

Although she likes the idea of having pots and flowering plants, maintenance was a primary concern. Hollandia Nursery will be providing the materials, but no additional maintenance.

Before Ms Sorensen left the meeting, Mr Gill, Ms Motyka, and others thanked her for the work she has put into the memorial. Stepping out the door, Ms Sorensen said, “It’s a beautiful building and a lot of people in town hope something comes of it in the future.”

Plans are ongoing to relocate the municipal offices to a new town hall in Fairfield Hills. Managers will rent the vacated space for revenue. Already groups rent theater and banquet space, among other functions. Pancake breakfasts, dance productions, and other annual events mingle with the regular movie theater and concessions that are a staple of business in the building.