The Lowe’s store on Route 34 Thursday donated four new picnic tables to be used at O’Sullivan’s Island in Derby.
The picnic tables, about $100 each, join four picnic tables previously donated by the home improvement store.
The tables add more flavor to O’Sullivan’s Island, which, thanks its designation as a Brownsfield project, has been transformed from a toxic waste dump into a rolling meadow at the confluence of the Naugatuck and Housatonic rivers.
It’s a favorite spot of fishermen — and slowly but surely Derby government is making it appealing as a quiet spot for anyone wanting to have a picnic, throw a ball or stroll along the river. The Derby Greenway, a mega-popular walking trail, is next to it.
Mayor Anthony Staffieri was on hand Thursday to take delivery of the new tables. He thanked Lowe’s assistant store manager Stephen Helak and department manager Randy Morgan for being good corporate citizens.
“Each year Lowe’s has been helping the City of Derby create an attractive recreational area,” he said. “They are a great partner to have.”
After posing for a photo with Helak and Morgan, Staffieri, photographer Markanthony Izzo and Derby public works employees Taylor Bracci and Mark Bracci began figuring out where the picnic tables will be placed. Some are slated to go in the shade, others will go near the water.
Don’t worry — Staffieri pointed out the tables will be anchored to prevent them floating away if the river overflows it banks.
Matto pointed out older picnic tables on O’Sullivan’s Island have survived previous floods.
“They’re flood tested,” Staffieri said.