What We Heard The project team has been working since March to learn more about what Middletowners need and want. We reviewed existing plans and past surveys. We met with the project Stakeholder Committee. We met with different groups around the City. We hosted a bus tour of potential brownfield sites. And now we’re here to hear from you! This is what we have learned so far . . . Who We Met With . . .
Themes We Heard . . .
AARP
City of Middletown, Dept. Heads
Community Health Center Events
Feet to the Fire Festival
Kid City
Mayor’s Youth Cabinet
McDonough Elementary Govern-
Middletown has a ton of great parks, open space, trails and programs, but many people don’t know about them.
There are few playgrounds and other safe places for children to play.
ance Council
Middlesex Coalition for Children
Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce
Citizen Advisory Committee
Middletown Disability Committee
North End Action Team
Opportunity Knocks
Parent Training Leadership Council
Recreation Dept. program on safe garden soil use
State Rep. Matt Lesser
Senior Center and its Volunteer Committee
Senior Citizen Health Expo
Wesleyan University
City parks used to be more popular. They'd be used more today if they were better maintained.
There are neighborhoods, particularly in the North End, where residents are isolated from other resources in the City.
Brownfield Bus Tours
About 90% of students at McDonough walk to school, and running is the most popular sport.
The Chamber of Commerce is working to help small businesses with employee wellness.
Traffic and speeding are huge problems for walking and biking safely.
I normally take my children to parks in towns outside of Middletown.
For senior citizens, the two biggest desires for amenities in public parks are bathrooms and benches.
What did attendees say? On May 14, about two dozen people took a tour of the potential brownfields being discussed here today. Some people saw parts of town they’d never seen before. Others were inspired to keep pressing for improvements to places they know and love.
“We need more pocket parks with fun, natural landscape-type playgrounds.” “I learned about new brownfield areas I was not aware of. Surprised by isolated nature of smaller brownfields.” “Could we re-use the ice skating rink kit once installed at Pat Kidney Field?” “Developing walking & biking trails along Sumner Brook to connect the CT River with Ravine Park would be a great asset.” “Discouraged by the length of time it takes to get anything done, but inspired to be more active in helping Planning & Zoning for Middletown.” “Re-use one of the vacant buildings for an indoor farmers market, so the market can stay open year round.”