NORWICH – Following nearly a decade of preparation, planning and – ultimately – extensive construction, the city’s Business Improvement District and Friends of the Park celebrated the completion of East and West Park’s historic renovation Tuesday.
Approximately 150 volunteers, donors, community leaders and supporters of the project were on hand last night, gathering in East Park for refreshments, an official ribbon-cutting ceremony and performances by the Perkins School of Dance and the Norwich City Band.
After so much time and effort, said Marylou Stewart, one of 10 individuals known collectively as the Friends of the Park, the end result looks fabulous.
“Once again, we did what we said we were going to do and we did it well, and within budget,” said Stewart, who’s been involved with the BID since its inception in 1986. “I am so proud and so pleased, number one by our volunteers. They did a wonderful job and, once again, they rose to the challenge.”
Fellow Friend of the Park Pegi LoPresti, who took over as director of the BID in March of 2002, said one of the first things to come across her desk was the preliminary master plan for the parks’ renovation. Nine-and-a-half years later, following numerous delays and setbacks, that vision has become a reality.
“I just can’t help but look at these parks and be proud of this community, our donors and volunteers, and all of the people that made this happen. It really makes me proud to call Norwich my home,” she added.
As for those delays and setbacks, LoPresti said she believed that with every potential roadblock there was an opportunity to re-focus and “make sure we were headed in the right direction.” And, thanks to an outpouring of community support, what could have been a $1 million project ended up costing approximately half that, she reported.
“Those setbacks forced us to be more creative and, because of that, I think we all have something to be proud of right here in downtown Norwich,” added LoPresti. “The overall plan was to make these parks look better and work better. I think we accomplished that, and we did it within our budget. This has been a long time coming.”
Renovations to the parks include the permanent stage and a refurbished, relocated gazebo in East Park, updated electrical infrastructure, handicap accessibility, new sidewalks, improvements to both parks’ landscaping and lighting, a new security camera system and new benches and trash receptacles.
Police Chief Joe Angelino called the new-look parks a “wonderful” community asset.
“I love it, it looks fantastic and it’s certainly an improvement,” he added. “The parks have always evolved through the years and while the space is the same, they’re always being improved upon. I’m really impressed.”
Mayor Joe Maiurano agreed and said the vision and determination of those responsible for the renovation should be praised. Any project worth doing, he added, is bound to hit the occasional obstacle.
“I think this is big for our city ... we’re moving forward and we’re making progress,” stated the mayor. “The events we hold downtown are very valuable, and it’s our community spirit that makes a project like this possible. I absolutely love the new look.”
Friend of the Park Eric Larsen, who LoPresti praised for his perseverance, leadership and drive, said getting the project done was all about teamwork. His job last night, he added, was a simple one ... saying thank you.
“This was a great team effort by everyone involved and I really appreciate everyone’s commitment to making this happen,” said Larsen. “We had so many local contractors willing to give their time and the product you see reflects the effort of every single person here.”
The issue of prevailing wages was just one that held up renovations, according to Larsen. Officials in Albany, he said, had “a hard time grasping the idea that so many people would put in so much effort” for nothing. Assemblyman Clifford Crouch, he added, was vital to the project’s success throughout.
“That’s the hallmark of this project,” he added. “Every major improvement in these parks over the past two centuries has happened the same way and that’s a proud tradition to be a part of.”
As for the 14 original members of the Friends of the Park Advisory Board – Peter and Virginia Chaplin, Martin and Susan Dietrich, David and MaryEl Emerson, Thomas and Esther Flanagan, Irad and Jan Ingraham, Rapp and Nancy Rappleyea and Richard and Mary Snyder – Larsen said “eight years is a long time to stay committed to one project” and thanked them for being such a “fantastic team.”
“They were invaluable in seeing this project through,” he added.
Larsen also thanked the many principal and project volunteers, in addition to the numerous individuals, businesses, organizations and foundations who donated to the rehabilitation effort. Carl Ivarson he thanked for his “great advice” and guidance, LoPresti for her talent, organization and perseverance, which “allowed this project to happen” and volunteer Gary Brightman.
“To say we couldn’t have done this project without him would be faint praise,” said Larsen of Brightman.
According to Brightman, it’s all about community. The finished product, he added, looks great.
“I’m very happy with it and I think things turned out really well,” said the long-time community volunteer. “The weather in the spring was a challenge and just getting started was the biggest challenge. But once we got started, everything seemed to work out.”
In conclusion, Larsen said every single person involved in the renovation project was vital and the BID and Friends of the Park committee needed “every oar in the water.” The biggest reason the end result looks the way it does, he added, is due to the community-wide commitment.
“It looks great because we have a great community,” said Larsen.