Welcome to the Town of Groton, Connecticut

Groton Parks & Recreation: Essential Needs

Groton Parks and Recreation provided our Community with essential opportunities for exercising and socialization in our local parks, trails, and open spaces, helping to maintain mental and physical health during the Covid-19 pandemic. Re-investing in these facilities will allow the Community to thrive as we move forward.

Below is a list of several essential projects Groton Parks and Recreation has put forward for consideration as the community decides what to do with the ARPA Funds (Covid Relief).
  • Athletic Fields - The community needs more athletic fields at Fitch High School, Sutton Park and the Claude Chester Property and amenities such as restrooms, scoreboards, bleachers, lights, etc. for those fields.  The Athletic Fields Task Force has recommendations to fulfill the need. 
  • Groton Skate Park - The skate park provides a Covid-safe outdoor space for youth and adults to use. Installing lights, adding additional features and aesthetic and safety improvements will extend the use.  $555,000
  • Library Field Walking Path - The Library Sports Field is used by young children learning to play sports.  A stone dust walking path that extends from Thrive55+ Active Living Center: Powered by Groton Senior Center's parking lot around the athletic field and behind the library to the sidewalk along route 117 increases accessibility.  $40,000.
  • Commercial Tent - Thrive55+ Active Living Center: Powered by Groton Senior Center would use a tent for outdoor programs and events.  $6,500.  
  • Tercentennial Playground Fencing - Fencing around the playground at Poquonnock Plains Park would allow for expanded and safer use of the playground by families with children on the autism spectrum and families with more than one young child.  $15,000.
  • Poquonnock Plains Park Walking Path - Widening the walking path and installing lights along the path and in the parking lot expands the use and safety of this very popular facility. During the pandemic residents were using the walking path as a Covid-safe means for maintaining health, wellness and socialization.  $130,000
  • Groton Community Center Court - Repairing and painting the outdoor basketball court/pickleball courts will increase use and safety for these outdoor activities. Pickleball was played on outdoor courts throughout the pandemic.  $25,000.
  • Bicycle Pump Track - The Pump Track would provide a safe and exciting place for bikers to enjoy near the entrance to Bluff Point State Park.  $35,000
  • Groton Hockey Rink - Repair and repaint the court of the hockey rink that is utilized utilized for exercise classes, pickleball and  special events at Thrive55+ Active Living Center: Powered by Groton Senior Center in addition to a vibrant hockey league.  $45,000.
  • Noank Community Garden Irrigation - The community gardening program doubled in size last year as many people searched for Covid-safe activities. $1,000.
  • Spicer Park Dock - The existing decking on the dock needs to be replaced due to storm damage that has occurred in recent years.  The facility is home to the Groton Community Boating Club that has seen increased use during the pandemic.  The repairs will make the facility safer and more accessible.  $35,000.  
  • Splashpad - Design and build a splashpad that can be enjoyed by the community during summer months.  $200,000
  • Therapy Pool at Thrive55+ Active Living Center: Powered by Groton Senior Center - The original design of Thrive55+ Active Living Center: Powered by Groton Senior Center called for a warm water therapy pool to be included to provide opportunities for various user groups such as mom & tot learn to swim classes, aquatic exercise and therapy. TBD
  • Groton Community Center Floor Refinishing - Refinishing the hardwood floor in the GCC would transform the former media room into a usable programming space for various fitness programs that currently cannot be accommodated in the facility. $15,000.