Makeover Complete For Valley Falls Dam In Vernon

VERNON, CT — Mayor Daniel Champagne said Wednesday that a project to reconstruct and improve the Valley Falls Dam has been completed.

The dam is located in the popular Valley Falls Park. Fisherman, hikers and dog walkers were already using it Wednesday.

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Last August the town began the reconstruction project to address the size and capacity of the spillway, Champagne said.

"During the design phase, we also saw the opportunity to make aesthetic and recreational improvements to the area. Now that the project is complete, park visitors will enjoy uniform pedestrian bridges, the installation of fencing to enhance public safety, improved access to our trails, and an ADA accessible fishing platform," the mayor said.

The dam reconstruction and improvements cost about $700,000. Two-thirds of the funding
were provided by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and the remaining one-third was provided by the town.

Other town officials were gushing over the outcome:

• "I am very pleased with the final product," Town Engineer David Smith said. "Not only did we address the structural aspects of the dam that required attention, but the work was done in a way that enhanced the natural beauty of the park with the added benefit of increased accessibility for visitors."
• "The timing of this project coincided perfectly for park visitors and the town," Parks and Recreation Director Marty Sitler said. "Dam reconstruction began at the conclusion of the 2018 summer camp program. Our contractor worked through the winterto keep the project on schedule, and limited the water drawn-down in order to have the least impact on the aquatic resources in the vicinity."
• "The new improvements to the Valley Falls Dam provide another reason for visitors to experience the beautiful parks and waterways we are fortunate to have in Vernon," Town Administrator Michael Purcaro said. "The reconstruction project improved the functionality of the dam and the aesthetic enhancements provide a captivating view from any vantage point in Valley Falls Park."

A formal ribbon cutting ceremony for the Valley Falls Dam will be announced at a later date, Purcaro said.