Saddened By Loss Of Dickinson Pond

To the Editor:

I am so saddened by the demolishing of Dickinson Park. My grandmother, Hilda Walsh, designed and planted most of the shrubs, trees, and ground cover. As a child, I remember the park as a muddy pond, swimming with the frogs and leeches. To our delight, they paved it, making it our sanctuary that spanned throughout our high school years.

I heard mention of erecting a pool similar to Treadwell Park last summer... and that was the end of it. Now, last week, I read of its demise. My saddest realization is that I had no time to go there, reminisce or take pictures of what once was... kind of like Fairfield Hills... why is this all done in the dark, with no notification to the Newtowners who adored such monumental landmarks? One day it’s part of our history... the next day it’s demolished.

Thank you Barbara Kasbarian for fighting for our history. I understand it’s been a sad week for you too. Why weren’t the confirmed members notified of all of this? Where was the forum? The Bee press? Why couldn’t there have been a notice stating the so-called hazards and let us enjoy Dickinson Town Park for what is always was... a happy, nonsanitary, magical, soothing, old-fashioned kind of pond...

To have Treadwell Park overcrowded? To have children turned away on hot, summer days? To not have the luxury of our children running up onto grass instead of concrete? To contemplate $5 million for a state-of-the-art swimming facility? This is what Newtown has become? It makes me so sad.

Lisa Walsh-Srogi

10 Laurel Avenue, Terryville                                   March 27, 2006