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09/01/2015 12:00 AMPlattwood Park in Deep River has become a popular destination for town residents, especially over the summer months, when families and friends gather to use the beach and swimming area. Most visitors to the area have noticed the ongoing construction work being done on the new little league field, as well as the fitness trail. That work is on its way to completion soon and town officials are excited about the outcome.
“This project is moving along great,” said First Selectman Dick Smith. “So many residents have told me how much they make use of the park and how much they are looking forward to the completion of the new field. There has been very positive feedback about this project, which is always good to hear.”
He added, “When it is completed that field and trail will be unbelievable.”
As part of the state’s Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP) Grant, Deep River received $400,000 to install the field and an Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant fitness trail/path, which will be a five-foot-wide, concrete sidewalk for a 0.2-mile loop with six fitness stations. In addition to the $400,000, the town will contribute $50,000 to the project, which is being completed by the Deep River Highway Department. Nathan Jacobson Associates of Chester has been chosen as the consulting engineers for the project. The firm has performed work on several other Deep River projects, including the Village Street bridge replacement and improvements at the Solid Waste Transfer Station.
Deep River Park & Recreation Director Carol Jones said, “This new field will...give us more room to spread out, as well as free up some space at Devitt Field.”
She added, “The fitness trail will be a great way to offer a healthy alternative to our residents to get fit at their own pace. Now they will have a beautiful space to do that.”
In addition to the fitness trail and field, a parking lot area will be included in order to have three rows of painted parking spaces. The project required that a portion of 4,600 square feet of wetlands be disturbed and cleared, and an additional 150 square feet of disturbance in the pond for irrigation.
Inland Wetlands Commission approval was given for the project. One compromise made was to plan a 200-foot outfield, because a 225-foot field would have increased disturbance (and would require a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers permit).
“We are very excited about this grant and this project,” said Smith. “In the past we have added the basketball court and the skate park, and we think this will be another great addition to the area, which will allow Plattwood Park to be used to its full potential.”
He added, “I can’t emphasize enough the importance of STEAP grants to our town [from the state]. The funding enhances our quality of life, not only for the residents of Deep River, but for visitors from out of town who also come to enjoy and utilize our park.” Future plans for the Plattwood Park area include the addition of a hiking (possible BMX bike) trail that will go through the back woods area of the park near the skate park. Work to clear and mark the trail is tentatively set, at this point, to be completed as part of a Deep River resident’s Eagle Scout project.