Posted on October 20, 2023
HARTFORD – State Representative Mark DeCaprio (R-48) enthusiastically welcomed $500,000 in funding for the Norton Park project in Colchester, which was announced earlier this month from the Connecticut State Bond Commission. The approval for the park is part of a comprehensive $1.1 Billion in state bond funding.
Norton Park is located off Route 149 in the Westchester section of Colchester. The property, which was once home to the Norton Paper Mill, was purchased initially back in 2015. In 2019, the Norton Park Committee was formed to serve as an advisory committee to assist with the completion of the site. Norton Park sits just off the Connecticut Air Line Trail, which spans from Thompson to East Haddam, Connecticut. The Air Line Trail draws outdoor enthusiasts from across Connecticut.
“This is great news for the Town of Colchester,” stated Rep. DeCaprio. “The Norton Park Committee has been dedicated to this project and worked very hard to get this across the finish line. Securing this funding was an important step to transforming this property into a park that all outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy, while keeping the rich history of this area flourishing for years to come. I will assist community leaders, committee members, and the residents of Colchester with my extensive background in environmental protection in any way possible.”
The site will be a landmark for nature lovers and will feature a park, picnic area along with other amenities. Additionally, the park will offer convenient access to the Jeremy River.
“I want to thank Governor Lamont and the State Bond Commission for their decision to invest in the park project,” Rep. DeCaprio concluded.
The next regular meeting of the Norton Park Committee is currently scheduled for Tuesday, November 7th at the Colchester Senior Center beginning at 6:30 P.M.