[PHOTO GALLERY] A Picture Perfect Day for Brookfield Town Beach, Cadigan Park Grand Opening

The Brookfield community was well represented for the official Grand Opening and ribbon cutting on the newly renovated Town Park and Cadigan Park. Police, fire and town officials, as well as many community volunteers and businesses, all came together to throw an awesome celebration for the town’s new parks.

First Selectman Bill Tinsley spoke before the ribbon was cut and thanked everyone who made the renovations possible. “There are so many people who put their heart and soul into this project to make it all possible,” he said.

After the ribbon was cut, the Candlewood Volunteer Fire Company sprayed their hoses and sounded their siren to celebrate the milestone.

Chick-fil-A and Panchos and Gringos passed out complimentary sandwiches, iced tea, chips and snacks for the hundreds of guests in attendance. Ms. Janine and Jamnesia entertained attendees before and after the ribbon cutting, and three local marinas treated guests to free tours of Candlewood Lake in their pontoon boats.

Brookfield Bay Marina’s Captain John Kleug drove the “Rolls Royce” of pontoon boats, the “Bennington 2572QCW Windshield” which seats 14. The ultra quiet engine made for a very relaxing ride. Eager residents waited on the dock for their chance to tour the lake on a beautiful Saturday afternoon.

“I’ve been out since 1 p.m. and each trip has been packed. It’s a perfect day to go out on the lake,” Kleug said.

A pirate ship was the focal point for the day’s events with guest trying to win a chance for a private tour. ”Pirate’s Pride” is skippered by Pirate Charlie and Pirate Jeff.

Sergeant Osuch and his police K9 Bruno demonstrated how they train police dogs to help officers catch criminals and search for drugs.

In his speech, Tinsley thanked the event planning committee, All Star Transportation for providing shuttle buses, Pirate’s Pride Pirate Boat, Candlewood Lake Authority, Brookfield Bay, Candlewood East and Echo Bay Marinas who provided free pontoon boat rides, Candlewood Volunteer Fire Company, Brookfield Lions Club, Brookfield High School Dance Team, Chick-fil-A, Panchos and Gringos, Parks and Recreation, the Municipal Building Committee, contract service providers, youth sports leagues for their patience, the Board of Selectmen and the Board of Finance.

“Last but not least I’d like to thank the Cadigan family for making the land available and affordable to the Town of Brookfield in exchange for a “recreational use only” deed restriction.”

For a full photo gallery, click here.

All photos by Wendy Ann Mitchell.