Community Corner

Crandall's Pavilion to be Rebuilt

A contractor has been hired and the work to rebuild the beloved picnic area could begin this summer.

Picnics will resume under a new pavilion at Crandall Park, but most likely not until the late summer.

A contractor has been hired and the insurance compensation has been settled to rebuild the much beloved pavilion that was demolished under the weight of the heavy and quickly accumulated snow this past winter.

Recreation Director Tom Ainsworth said a start date for Brooklyn, CT, based Sigfridson Wood Products to begin working on the new structure has not been set but he hopes that the structure will be finished by mid-August. The contractor was hired by the town’s insurance carrier CIRMA.

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When the town officials and residents had hoped that it could be rebuilt quickly and open for the summer season, yet, with construction in site, Ainsworth said he’s just pleased the park will have a new facility.

The insurance company will contribute $109,935 for the project, which includes a post and beam structure with partially enclosed sides to protect people from the weather, but not obstruct the view of the pond. There was an option for a metal roof but it would have cost an addition $9,250 out of pocket so town officials choose to have a 30-year shingled roof installed, according to Town Manager Steven Werbner.

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The insurance money will also be used for lightening, picnic tables and trash receptacles. The town must pay a $2,500 deductible.

Werbner called it “a very good replacement of what was there before” at a May 10th Town Council meeting.

The money donated to rebuild the pavilion soon after it was demolished, a little more than $3,000 worth, could be used for accessories, such as a new grill, or landscaping, including shrubs and perennials around the pavilion, Ainsworth said.

Although certainly excited for the rebuild, it is a bit bittersweet not to have a pavilion on the property as the summer months grow near. The recreation department has had to refund the money of several groups that rent the site annually during June and July for family or other functions, Ainsworth said.

“It is just a nice community feature, a lot of people used it as a nice gathering place in the summer. We’ll miss until we have it back,” Ainsworth said.


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