FARMINGTON, Conn. (WTIC Radio)—Connecticut state and local officials are hoping to bring Batterson Park back to life with a $7 million bond request to the state.
Speaker of the House Matt Ritter announced Wednesday a goal to have the request approved by the state bond commissioner before the General Assembly adjourns for session.
According to Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin, the funds are needed to rebuild the park's natural assets and infrastructure after a lack of maintenance left the park deteriorating and closed to the public for years.
Hartford's Public Works Director Michael Looney says the top two priorities in the revamp are new facilities and treatment for the large lake.
"It's probably going to take about $250,000 to clear out the invasive species and vegetation that are in [the lake] and do some treatments to the water," Looney said.
It's probably cost-prohibited to save the old structures at the park like the concession stand and the bath house, Looney said, so about $3 million dollars are being dedicated to building new facilities.
Improving water quality and recreational amenities are crucial in making sure people can enjoy the park the way they used to, Bronin said.
The park was a popular summer destination in the 1950s to the early 1980s for thousands of visitors.
New Britain Mayor Erin Stewart agreed, saying the park will bring joy to families in its surrounding communities.
"You have a lot of children and families that don't have the means or the resources to get to a beach, to get to the lake, to go anywhere just to experience outdoor space like this. This is going to be an incredible resource to get families here, enjoying the outdoors and all that the outdoors have to offer," Stewart said.
The 500+ acre park is owned by the city of Hartford but stretches out to New Britain and Farmington. The cities and town plan to work together to maintain the park after its restoration.
Batterson Park has a "Park Closed" sign just outside the entrance.Daniela Doncel
