Printer Friendly Version - Collaborative Effort Renews Pine Orchard Triangle Park in Branford

Shown here with a plaque to be installed as part of the renewal of Pine Orchard Triangle Park are, l-r: Pine Orchard Assocation Beautification Committee chair Robert Dahill; Branford First Selectman Jamie Cosgrove and Pine Orchard Beautification Committee co-chair Judith Liebmann.Photo Courtesy Robert Dahill

Sunny skies and moderate temperatures helped to contribute to the festive atmosphere for the dedication of Pine Orchard Triangle Park on Saturday, October 20, in Branford. Neighbors and town government leaders gathered to dedicate the park and celebrate the spirit of collaboration that resulted in the renovation of this small corner of Pine Orchard. The renovation was a joint venture of the Town of Branford, the Pine Orchard Association, the Environmental and Conservancy Commission and volunteers.

In 1971, Triangle Park was conveyed to the Town of Branford by the A.M Young Company – the key developer in the Pine Orchard community. Named for the triangle of land created by its locus at intersecting points of Elizabeth Street, Pine Orchard Road and Route 146/Pine Orchard Road, the little park had fallen into some disrepair. After the Town removed an overgrown hedge, neighbors in the community saw an opportunity to create a passive recreational area where people could gather and enjoy its natural beauty.

A committee was formed and quickly initiated outreach to the Town, Branford residents and community experts in town history and gardening. Plans were developed, refined and ultimately executed. The result is a welcoming gathering place – with comfortable benches positioned in a semi-circle, plantings that will bloom next spring and trees that will replace those lost to age, blights and storms.

"This park is an excellent example of a local community taking advantage of the town's resources to improve their own neighborhood," said First Selectman Jamie Cosgrove.

Director of Branford's Dept. of Public Works (DPW), Gary Zielinski, was key to the success of this project. He introduced the planning group to Branford Tree Warden Diana Ross, who then brought in Dan Fitzgerald of the Environmental and Conservancy Commission. They provided guidance about the selection of trees and plantings and a projected timetable for the work. The DPW crew raised the canopy on trees, pruned others, re-seeded, created two berms and planted the shrubs. They also assembled the benches and installed them in the park.

This project was a public private partnership from its earliest days. Plans for the renovation were drawn up and presented to the Pine Orchard Association Board by resident Judith Liebmann. Board member Bob Dahill worked with Liebmann to identify resources and coordinate work with the town. Neighbor Bernadette Stak spearheaded the project of creating a memorial plaque to be installed in the park. The committee members provided their advice, their energy – and even their pick-up truck – to help contribute to the success of the project. As was often said at the dedication ceremony, "...this was a true partnership."