Southington YMCA Camp Gets $500K For Pond Project: Poulos

SOUTHINGTON, CT — Ongoing work to dredge the pond at a popular summer camp in Southington have received a $500,000 boost from the state.

According to state Rep. Christopher Poulos, D-Southington, half a million dollars was included in the recently approved, bipartisan, two-year state budget adopted by the House Tuesday.

That dollar amount, he said, allows for the continuation of a dredging project at the Southington YMCA's Sloper Pond, which is center to the summer camp the Y operates there.

Poulos said the grant is through funding allocated to the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.

Poulos said he met with Southington YMCA Chief Executive Officer Mark Pooler in mid-March to tour Camp Sloper and learn about the dredging project.

The dredging aims to remove tons and tons of silt in the body of water, which should create a better, cleaner pond environment for campers, wildlife and plant life there.

According to Poulos, Pooler said the $3.6 million project was a little more than $500,000 short of funding.

“Camp Sloper is one of Southington’s gems. In my youth, as a camper, I spent hot summer days swimming in the pond – and as an adult I have enjoyed hiking with my family on the numerous trails the outdoor center offers to the public,” said Poulos.

“The dredging project has many positives. it’s an environmental remediation project, it’s a youth development project, and it’s a community pride project. I am grateful that the Democratic House leadership recognized the value of this community project.”

Pooler expressed his gratitude to Poulos’ work to help secure the funding.

“Rep. Poulos understands Camp Sloper’s vision to provide both YMCA members and all community members with unique programming opportunities and options to best utilize the outdoor resources of our 143-acre facility," said Pooler. "From the onset of our conversations, he has been collaborative and committed to helping the YMCA and greater Southington Community.”

Poulos said work done at the day camp to further the youth development in Southington should be commended and supported.

Camp Sloper serves more than 4,500 children each summer and over 10,000 additional visitors in the offseason.

"It is a significant local force helping kids live happier and healthier lives," said Poulos. "Camp Sloper strengthens the foundation of this community."

For more information on Camp Sloper in Southington, click on this link.

For more information on state Rep. Christopher Poulos, D-Southington, click on this link.

From April 14, 2018: 'Southington YMCA Getting $3 Million for Camp Sloper Pond Work'