Parks & Rec. reports on facilities’ progress, program needs

Record-Journal staff

The Parks & Recreation Department is gearing up for its summer programming and plans for improvements to local facilities. Some of those initiatives were recently in the spotlight.

Parks & Recreation Director John Gawlak was a guest at the February Cheshire Lions Club meeting where he spoke about the proposed expansion of the Chapman Farm annex next to Bartlem Park.

In January, the Town Council also provided an update on the Bartlem Park South project.

The design was competed with bids due in early February.

The first phase of the Bartlem South Project will include the installation of a “great lawn” for passive recreation as well as new fields for athletic use.

Additional phases are expected to be proposed in the years to come that will, if completed, help turn the property next to Bartlem Park, previously known as the Chapman property, into a multi-use active and passive recreation hub for Cheshire residents.

Construction is expected to commence this spring and last for approximately 16 to 18 months.

That’s just one plan Parks & Rec. has underway.

In January, the Town Council accepted $75,000 from the John G. Martin Foundation for the John G. Martin Outdoor Education Center at Mixville Park. That project began last fall with a foundation grant of $150,000.

The foundation also provided $10,000 more, as an “ unsolicited gift” to the town, in order to cover unexpected cost escalation.

When completed, the metal structure will be used to provide a shelter option for youth campers and other users.

Councilor David Borowy reported that the recent mild weather had helped the project to progress.

In another development, the Planning and Zoning Commission took action to encourage park usage with an 8-24 referral from the state to improve access to Quinnipiac Park.

The result of the PZC’s unanimous endorsement is a proposed new sidewalk along the western side of Cheshire Street, between Riverview Court and Worden Circle.

Parks & Rec. also is seeking student volunteers for its summer camp programs. The Counselor In Training Program is designed for students entering grades 9 through 11 in the fall of 2023. The application deadline is March 31.

The Therapeutic Recreation Program has an application deadline of May 3. This involves working with individ- uals with special needs at camps over the summer and is open to students entering grades 9 through 12 in the fall.

Application forms are available through the Parks and Recreation website.

For questions regarding these summer opportunities for students, contact Barb Costello at bcostello@ cheshirect.org

Senior Health

Stay alert

Often we take for granted our surroundings. This informational session will help you keep your eyes peeled. Thursday, March 9, from 2 to 3 p.m., learn how you can avoid slips, trips and falls for an overall safer environment. Presented by Lisa Murawski, exercise physiologist, GoodLife Fitness. Registration required. Call 1-855442-4373 or go to HartfordHealthCare.org/VirtualClasses.

The Orchards

The Orchards at Southington, an independent and assisted living community located at 34 Hobart St., will host an open house Thursday, March 9, from 4 to 7 p.m. Registration is recommended. To reserve a time, call 860-628-5656.

Stress management

Join this interactive class Wednesday, March 15, from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. to learn more about how our body responds to stress/distress and different relaxation techniques. Presented by Christine Solimini-Swift, exercise physiologist. Registration required. Call 1-855442-4373 or go to HartfordHealthCare.org/VirtualClasses.

Cedar Mountain Commons

Cedar Mountain Commons, an independent and assisted living community located at 3 John H. Stewart Drive, Newington, will host an open house Sunday, March 19, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Registration is recommended. To reserve a time, call 860-665-7901.

Arbor Rose

Arbor Rose at Jerome Home, an independent and assisted living community located at 975 Corbin Ave., New Britain, will host an open house Tuesday, March 21, from 4 to 8 p.m. Registration is recommended. To reserve a time, call 860-229-3707.

Mulberry Gardens

Mulberry Gardens, an independent and assisted living community located at 58 Mulberry St., Southington, will host an open house Wednesday, March 29 from 3 to 6 p.m. Registration is recommended. To reserve a time, call 860-276-1020.

Understanding Lymphedema

The World Health Organization estimates that over 250 million people worldwide live with Lymphedema or chronic swelling. It is a disease that can cause pain, limit mobility and cause us to be insecure about ourselves. Friday, March 31, from 11 a.m. to noon, join a Certified Lymphedema Therapist from Hartford HealthCare Rehabilitation Network, to learn more about the causes and effects of swelling, ways to manage it. Call 1-855-442-4373 or go to HartfordHealthCare.org/ VirtualClasses.

Call-in support

Talk to a professional about questions you may have regarding dementia, Fridays from 2 to 3 p.m. This support group is facilitated by Kristine Johnson, dementia specialist, Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging. Call 1-646-876-9923 (Meeting ID 92408181873#).