Community members joined the Bristol Parks, Recreation, Youth and Community Services Department at the E.G. Stocks Playground on Thursday afternoon for a ribbon cutting ceremony to unveil the park’s new splash pad.
“I really feel like this is something that you would see at Disney World, but we have it in Bristol, Connecticut,” said BPRYCS Superintendent Dr. Joshua Medeiros.
The Bristol Parks, Recreation, Youth, and Community Service Department (BPRYCS) are adding a splash of fun to the month of September by keeping the new splash pad open throughout the month while the warm weather lingers.
Left: Dr. Joshua Medeiros. Right: Mayor Jeffrey Caggiano. | Laura Bailey photos
Community members and BPRYCS employees cut the ribbon to open the new splash pad at E.G. Stocks Playground. | Laura Bailey photos
The splash pad marks a significant addition to the new E.G. Stocks Playground, which opened in February. The new dynamic waterscape is just one of many recent enhancements to the community park including, ADA-compliant site improvements and a complete resurfacing of the basketball court.
“Parks are for kids to have fun,” Mayor Jeffrey Caggiano said. “I grew up in the park system here. One that’s coming up on the future is Kern Park renovations. We’re giving back to our community with this.”
One particularly notable upgrade to the basketball court is the installation of energy-efficient lighting to the previously unlighted sporting facility.
“I’m so glad that we could do this,” said city councilor Cheryl Thibeault. “People have been asking for lights at night on the basketball courts for some time, and we’ve been wanting to do that. It’s just great that the lights are up.”
The ribbon cutting ceremony. | Laura Bailey photos
Water fun at the new splash pad. | Laura Bailey photos
The new MUSCO lighting system features bright blue light towers integrated with the basketball courts. These towers stand as a poignant tribute to Fallen Officers Lt. Dustin Demonte and Sgt. Alex Hamzy, who tragically lost their lives in the line of duty on Oct. 12, 2022.
“When you drive by at night, please look at the blue light towers,” said Medeiros. “You’re going to forever be reminded of their sacrifice and legacy to the Bristol Community.”
To view active and completed projects from the Bristol Parks, Recreation, Youth and Community Service Department, visit https://bristolct.myrec.com/info/default.aspx
Laura Bailey can be reached at lbailey@bristoledition.org
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