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STAMFORD, Conn. — After months of renovations, members of the West Side community and the Stamford government came together to celebrate the rededication of Jackie Robinson Park on Thursday night.
“We say thank you, thank you from the bottoms of our hearts,” said Michael Hyman, director of the Chester Addison Community Center, speaking on behalf of the residents of the Stamford neighborhood. He added the West Side deserves a park in top condition, and it will add to the quality of life.
New additions to the park include a new concrete fence, which resembles a rail and post design, trees planted along the path around the park, two new entrances from Fairfield Avenue, 13 benches and several picnic tables.
“I love it; I think it is different, and it will make the West Side standout,” said City Rep. Gloria DePina, D-5, one of the collaborators of the renovation, comparing the renovated park to others in the city.
John DaRosa, of the Jackie Robinson Park of Fame, an organization that helps kids in the area, described the renovations as “much needed,” and said it gives the park and the area a warmer feeling. He also said he hopes people from all over the area will stop by and enjoy the park.
“We’d love to have that support,” DaRosa said.
RBS donated $75,000 to the project, SG Stamford $15,000, and the city provided $50,000 for the project, a news release said.
The design work was done by Stantec Consulting Services, which had two public meetings to gather community feedback, the release said. A. Vitti Excavators did the hardscaping and also donated two days of machine time to planting trees. Eastern Land Management installed trees and annuals near the statue, the release said.
The park hosts several community events throughout the year. Its annual Christmas Tree Lighting on Nov. 28 will be the first after the renovation.
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