A popular Connecticut recreation area that has been closed since the summer due to “safety concerns” could soon reopen if officials approve planned changes to the site.
Cotton Hollow Preserve in Glastonbury, which has been gated off since July 16, may undergo several changes if the town passes a proposed $97,000 improvements project. The decision was made to close the preserve after the town said several illicit and prohibited activities were observed like drug and alcohol use, cliff jumping, lighting of fires, swimming and camping.
“Town staff is of the opinion that several things must be done to achieve significant safety improvements at The Preserve,” said Glastonbury Town Manager Jonathon Luiz. “First, amendments should be made to the Town ordinance that regulates The Preserve. Second, infrastructure improvements are required. Third, more funding for the park ranger program is necessary. Fourth, more dedicated police enforcement is needed. Fifth, more education is needed via the internet to clarify what is permitted and prohibited within The Preserve.”
At Tuesday’s council meeting, the town approved a public hearing along with a council vote on Sept. 24. The town manager told the Courant that the preserve should reopen sometime in late October if the proposal passes.
The bulk of the money, or around $40,000, would be used for tree work to remove safety threats posed by broken treetops and downed trees, according to the town. An additional $20,000 would be allocated for paving the existing gravel parking lot on Hopewell Road. The lot would become the dedicated parking area for those visiting the preserve. According to Luiz. Currently there is no dedicated parking lot.
“If the lot is full then motor vehicles would be turned away and asked to check back when an open parking spot becomes available,” Luiz said. “The $20,000 covers material costs, as this work would be performed by town highway staff using existing equipment.”
The town is also looking to spend $20,000 for a video camera system, according to Luiz. The town’s highway department will provide and install poles that the cameras will be mounted on. In addition to cameras, $13,000 is planned for new gates to be installed at the Grange Pool entrance/exit, Cotton Hollow parking lot on Hopewell Road, Matson Hill Road parking lot and emergency access drive.
“Parks and Recreation and the Police Department are coordinating responsibilities for opening and closing of the gates. In the event there is not sufficient staff to open the gate for the Cotton Hollow parking lot off of Hopewell Road, that parking lot will remain closed,” Luiz said.
The smallest portion of the proposed funding includes $3,500 for new, more prominent signage that would display rules and regulations at the preserve. The signs would be placed at the Cotton Hollow parking lot near Grange Pool and the entrance to Cotton Hollow near the Cotton Hollow Kitchen parking lot. Signs addressing cliff jumping would also be placed inside the preserve, according to the town.
But the town said those improvements are not enough and will seek to boost both police and park ranger presence in the preserve.
“More dedicated police enforcement is vital,” Luiz said. “Visitors have grown accustomed to ignoring rules displayed on signs and rules communicated verbally by the park rangers. A proposed funding enhancement for a dedicated police presence will be presented during budget season.”
The town estimates that the additional police presence will cost $30,000 per year.
The town is also seeking additional funding to the Park Ranger Program to ensure a park ranger is stationed at the Cotton Hollow parking lot eight to 10 hours per day during peak summertime usage, the town said. The town said they estimate the additional park ranger presence will cost another $15,000 per year.
Stephen Underwood can be reached at [email protected]
