By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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NEW MILFORD — A park filled with 1970s-era playground equipment such as a steel slide and steel and wooden teeter-totter will undergo a massive overhaul to bring it into the modern age.
The Rockford Park District partnered with the village of New Milford and state Rep. Maurice West to secure a $600,000 state grant that will pay for new playground equipment, pickleball courts, fitness stations, parking, a drinking fountain and concrete walking path that connects into Atwood Park, among other improvements to existing infrastructure. The Rockford Park District is providing an additional $95,000 in funding.
The park, which was formerly known as Upper Park, is at the intersection of Morris and Meeker drives. Village and park district officials on Thursday celebrated the start of the project and unveiled the new name of Victory Park.
“It really is a big victory for everyone in our community that we received state funding to invest in these outdoor recreation opportunities that are so important for the well-being of the citizens we serve,” said Tim Owens, New Milford’s village president. “Transforming this park is going to bring joy, fun and new ways to recreate to residents of New Milford.”
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Owens said the village has made some park improvements, including new benches and a few pieces of new equipment, over the years. But much of the equipment from slides to swings dates back to the 1970s. Renovations will begin soon and the updated park is expected to be opened in summer 2024.
“We cannot wait to unveil this remarkable community space that will strengthen bonds, promote wellness, and create lasting memories,” Owens said.
The park rests just south of the Rockford Park District’s boundaries, but the district wanted to provide its experience applying for the Open Space Land Acquisition and Development grant that paid for the majority of the project.
“Even though this isn’t our park, we do have beautiful Atwood just next door to here,” said Jay Sandine, executive director of the Rockford Park District. “It was an honor to tag team on this grant. I’m so happy to see you guys win this. It’s going to be a beautiful thing cutting that ribbon and watching the kids of New Milford come and enjoy their brand new park.”
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West praised the park district and village for working together, and said it will further help people heal after the pandemic.
“That’s what government should look like, being able to work together even if one does not get the praise and the glory from it,” West said. “What this OSLAD grant will do is beautify this area for not just our young people, but the whole New Milford community to help us all — in some way, shape or form — heal.”
Community feedback on playground design
The village of New Milford will ask residents for additional feedback on playground design next month. An online survey will be posted at villageofnewmilford.org. Residents can also weigh in at a trunk or treat event from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 28 at the New Milford Fire Department, 2177 Will James Road, New Milford.
Compiled by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on X at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas and Threads @thekevinhaas