State grant money that was originally slated for a nature-based pre-school will now help fund a boardwalk at the Ansonia Nature Center.
After the Board of Aldermen declined to support the idea of a nature-based pre-school program at the center, the grant money had to be diverted to other Nature Center projects or risk being lost.
As a result, the Public Works department began building the new boardwalk around the center’s pond last month.
Road To Nowhere
The previous boardwalk was built about 16 years ago by Eagle Scouts assisted by the current superintendent of public works, Michael Schryver.
But after years of use and exposure to the elements, the boardwalk began rotting and became dangerous to walk on, according to Donna Lindgren, the director of the Nature Center.
“The old one was twisted and warped and at some point it started floating out into the pond and we had to drag it back to shore,” Lindgren said.
Outdoor Classroom
Schryver said he believes there are a lot of benefits for the community by replacing the boardwalk.
“The boardwalk is like an educational outdoor classroom for kids,” Schryver said. “It’s a great benefit for trips and hiking around the pond.”
Lindgren said she hoped the new boardwalk would attract new people to the Nature Center, as it will make exploring the pond easier.
The Grant
The Nature Center had originally received $25,000 from the state for Nature Center programs, and Lindgren and the Friends of the Ansonia Nature Center had eyed the funds for a nature-based pre-school proposed for the center.
But the city leaders didn’t like the idea of assuming liability for the program, which would be housed in a city building. They were also concerned that the city would eventually be asked to help fund the program.
Without city support, Lindgren found other places for the grant money to go.
“We were disappointed, of course, because the school was our first choice and we were told we could not pursue it without consequences,” Lindgren said. “But we are delighted with the boardwalk.”
The materials — pressure treated wood for the framing and a composite material for the platform — cost $8,200. The city saved installation costs by having the Public Works department build the boardwalk.
The rest of the grant money will go toward other items for the Nature Center, such as signs, new trail maps, a new brochure and a raised bed for the garden center, Lindgren said.
