To the Editor:
As the sports/turf bubble moves toward a green light for bonding, many of us wonder if that money wouldn’t be better spent improving our existing amenities, namely Merwin Meadows. Wilton (particularly Town Center) lacks spaces for the community to gather, especially in comparison to our neighboring towns. Merwin is one of our few gathering spots, and the town should turn its attention to the improvements/upgrades it needs:
Playground
While I don’t know exactly how old the playground is, several residents who grew up here claim it hasn’t been updated. Compared to our neighbors (Ridgefield, New Canaan), this playground ranks low with dated equipment. The sports dome funds can be used to update this utilized spot.
The Beach and Swimming Hole
The material used for the sand on the beach is maddeningly messy, sticking to clothes and shoes, and won’t come off unless you thoroughly wash everything. Moreover, the beach is often infiltrated with geese and their feces, which gets into the water. Sports complex money could be used for a town pool.
Performance Space
Merwin is an ideal spot for a permanent performance space in Wilton, with a modest performance stage (the one at Nod Hill Beer Garden is a good example of something that can be done relatively cheaply). A regular space to congregate in the summer to watch movies, a play, or live music would be a huge plus.
Merwin has lots of potential. It’s right on a beautiful river, has a great trail system, and is convenient to town. With the welcome addition of the new walking bridge, now would be a great time to up-level our community park instead of allocating that money (or rather, debt) into yet another playing field.
Jessica Brand
There was already a years-long process to create a multi-year plan for improvements at both Merwin Meadows and Schenk’s Island. This process concluded in February 2020, more than three years ago (see GMW link below). I don’t recall seeing any updates since the plan was approved by the Board of Selectmen.
https://goodmorningwilton.com/selectmen-approve-recommendations-for-schencks-island-merwin-meadows-improvements/
Jessica and others, The BOS approved the use of ARPA funds for a new 5+ playground for Merwin. Because of the long lead time, it will be installed at the end of the summer. Merwin Meadows is in a FEMA flood zone, therefore a town pool can’t be built on that location. Research has been done into demand for a pool. With the Y pool, multiple private clubs with a pool, and private residences with pool, a town pool is something that historically hasn’t had widespread support. With that said, the BOS is always open to hearing from residents with well-researched ideas. A committee of residents, appointed by the Board of Selectmen, the Schenck’s Island Merwin Meadows Committee (SIMM), developed a masterplan for both locations. They worked with a consultant, held public input sessions and referred the plan to the Board of Selectmen in January 2020. The Plan was accepted by the Board of Selectmen. You can view the Plan for each location on this link: https://www.wiltonct.org/schencks-island-merwin-meadows-simm-committee
The Board has begun executing against the plan with the funding for three aspects of the Plan, the playground at Merwin, the construction of a new parking lot and installation of lights and electricity at Schenck’s (starts next week), and a playground at Schenck’s. The Schenck’s playground will be on the opposite side depicted on the map and will also include more traditional play equipment in addition to that proposed in the plan. That playground requires longer to design, but we hope to have installation occur in the spring. A performance stage is proposed for Schenck’s, not Merwin. The town has been holding summer concerts at Schenck’s and Merwin for at least the last 4 years. Residents and musicians have expressed a preference for Schenck’s. There is a lot happening within town government and it is hard for residents to keep up. As such, I email an update at least once a month. If you aren’t signed up, you can sign up here: https://www.wiltonct.org/subscribe. Thanks for your interest. Lynne Vanderslice, First Selectwoman
Allen’s Meadows is already an existing field. The Town is not “adding a field”. The project is an improvement to our existing amenities. So thank you for supporting the idea that the Town should invest in the improvement our existing amenities.