Paddle Boats For Freshwater Pond Approved By Enfield Town Council

ENFIELD, CT — An ongoing attempt by town officials to improve the quality of life in the Thompsonville section of town, and specifically the Freshwater Pond area, turned another corner Monday, as the town council unanimously approved $50,000 for purchase of four paddle boats and associated equipment to be used by residents at the pond.

Improvements to the pond area have been ongoing for nearly a decade. Streetscape improvements were completed in 2011, at a cost of nearly $350,000, and the walkway by the pond was completed in 2015 for about a quarter-million dollars. Last year, the town independently financed dredging the pond, costing about $400,000.

"I think it's exciting, it's a continuum, this is part of a process that was started by other town managers," Town Manager Christopher Bromson said. "It was cleaning up Freshwater Pond, taking down jagged rusted chain link fence, clearing the way of vegetation and undergrowth."

Bromson, aided by public works director Donald Nunes, showed a rendering of the proposed concept, including the location of docks, barriers and on-land street vendors and food trucks.

"Water is an asset, so about a year and a half ago, we invested almost $500,000 to dredge it and clean it, including repairing the spillway," Bromson said.

For "a small, nominal fee," residents may use the boats on the 8-acre pond. An attendant would be on duty, and the boats would be taken in nightly, Bromson said.

Councilor Gina Cekala questioned the safety of having multiple parties using the boats daily, in view of the coronavirus pandemic. Bromson replied all safety and cleaning protocols would be followed.

The complete council meeting from E-TV may be viewed below. Discussion and voting on the paddle boat project begins around the 1:17:40 mark.

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