Zawistowski and Kissel Attend Babb’s Beach Rededication

SUFFIELD — State Rep. Tami Zawistowski and state Sen. John A. Kissel attended the rededication of Babb’s Beach in Suffield on Sept. 16.

The re-dedication came as the result of four month’s work revitalizing the site by volunteers who were led by Jerry Crane, chairman of the Babb’s Restoration Committee.

“The hard work that’s gone into the restoration of Babb’s Beach both recently and over the past decade is a beautiful representation of the spirit of this community, and the new access point and improved facilities will help provide visitors with wonderful experiences here,” said Zawistowski, who serves Suffield as well as East Granby and part of Windsor.

“I would like to thank all the volunteers who made this happen—especially Jerry Crane and First Selectman Melissa Mack who spearheaded this project,” said Senator Kissel. “This is another step towards fully restoring the Babb’s compound for public enjoyment.”

Background:

The Babb family operated a summer lake resort on the shores of the Congamond Lake starting in the late 1890s. The current roller skating rink was built circa 1930 as a dance hall. The Babb family donated the approximately 7 acre property to the Town in 1977 and Nelson Babb had a life-use of a house and continued to operate the skating rink until 1996. The 11,000 square foot building was falling into disrepair and on October 31, 2003, the Town entered into a four-year lease with four extension periods with Citizens Restoring Congamond (CRC). CRC agreed to utilize its non-profit status to conduct fundraising and restore the building as a roller-skating rink. The Town received a $100,000 Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP) grant from the State of Connecticut to help with the restoration. Babb’s Beach was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on July 21, 2006.