Will Pocket Parks Find Way Into Newtown Neighborhoods?

By Kendra Bobowick

Various town officials offered their thoughts on the concept of pocket parks this week, concluding that funding, studies, and prospective locations aside, they all like the concept of more recreational areas available to residents.

“Greener common spaces” is the larger concept for each section of town, First Selectman Pat Llodra said. “I want to make sure we make good decisions regarding greenways and open space preservation.”

Offering one example of how land in a neighborhood could be used, Mrs Llodra pointed to Sandy Hook Center where the tree is lit for Christmas. Around and below the tree leading to the Pootatuck River’s banks is an area designed for passive recreation with walkways and benches.

She would like to see space “defined for a common purpose,” she said. With no funding for studies to identify parcels or potentially larger parks, she explained, “It’s a long, long-term project.”

She envisions the town developing future “anchor points” for residents to share and enjoy. Naming various neighborhoods like Hawleyville and Botsford, she said, “I want to set aside an area for people to enjoy.”

The first selectman is relying on the town’s land use agencies, among others, to help establish how open space should be used, she said. Mrs Llodra also anticipates that the Parks and Recreation Department staff will be closely involved. “I think everyone will have a role in determining what and where pocket areas should be,” she said.

Where will the funding come from?

Mrs Llodra said, “When we have a better understanding [of the pocket park project], we’ll look at funding sources. It’s a long way away…”

Assistant Director of Parks Carl Samuelson mentioned a need to find ways to bring recreation to areas of town “not served by parks.” He then asked if a larger park or the smaller parks were needed. “We have asked the question, and the town has asked the question,” he said. He thinks that a study — and the funding to support it — may be needed. He suspects those who live far away are likely to use the parks less. The question is whether that population be best served by a large park, or something smaller. “It’s about identifying where a park would best serve, and who is missing out right now?” he asked. “The intent is for a recreational outlet where there isn’t [currently] easy access.”

The parks could just be “a little spot. It doesn’t necessarily have to be giant,” Mr Samuelson said.

Mr Samuelson said, “It’s about trying to provide value — where we can put a park so people have recreation options.” He sees a place where grandparents could sit and watch a child in the swings, he said. With his mind turning to funding, Mr Samuelson said, “I think a study will tell us the need.” He wants to find out: “Where is something missing?”

At a recent Parks and Recreation Commission meeting, members wondered if funding and a study with the parks question should be part of a larger master plan, or specifically a pocket park study.

Both Rob Sibley and George Benson, deputy director and director of Newtown land use, shared their perspectives.

Mentioning a shift from a centralized to a decentralized park system, Mr Sibley talked about reaching a larger population and “bringing recreation closer to people’s homes.” He said, “I would love for people to walk a mile down the road and find a safe environment and know their neighborhoods better.” Coming from an environmental and planning point of view, he wants to answer the question: “How do I get to a park without getting in the car to enjoy nature?”

Mr Sibley said, “I have heard over and over again only positive comments in neighboring towns about their parks and neighborhoods.”

Mr Benson agreed that the concept of pocket parks has as much to do with aesthetics as use in areas such as Hawleyville. In his mind is a picture of an outdoor space where people can sit at a bench, walk a path. “It’s about getting people out.”