Boathouse plans to be presented
Old Lyme — The plans for a new boathouse at Hains Park show a one- story structure with changing areas, three 22-foot bays, and a flex space for indoor workouts, video viewings and meetings.
The Boathouse Hains Park Improvement Committee will present to residents an update on the project at the conclusion of Monday’s Annual Town Meeting.
The town meeting is scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m. at Lyme- Old Lyme Middle School.
The Boathouse Hains Park Improvement Committee knocked off about $270,500 from the originally proposed cost by eliminating a second floor, taking out the bathrooms proposed for inside, and using the existing foundation and slab as much as possible, among other cost-saving measures.
“We’re not only happy with it, but also proud of having made that many changes and had a positive outcome from doing them,” said co- chairman Paul Fuchs, as he briefed the Board of Selectmen on the project Tuesday.
The interior layout of the proposed boathouse also includes storage space for uniforms and equipment, and an office with a computer and workspace for repairs.
The upgrades further encompass a driveway for the building, associated site work improvements and the relocation of the basketball courts to another spot in the park.
Improvements to the restrooms at Hains Park, as well as the potential addition of a new pavilion, could be completed as a separate phase of the project, according to the presentation.
Fuchs said the committee has presented some concepts for park improvements to the Parks and Recreation Commission and asked the commission to decide the best solution for the park.
About $933,800 is available for the overall project from a $ 478,000 state Small Town Economic Assistance Pro- gram grant, $405,000 in town funds and $50,800 in donations from townspeople, said the committee’s co-chairman Paul Gianquinto.
The boathouse phase of the project requires about $720,000.
Roughly $214,000 would be available to pursue restroom improvements, a potential pavilion, or other improvements the Parks and Recreation Commission wants.
A special permit from the Zoning Commission is required for certain aspects of the boathouse plans. The plans are slated to go before the commission next month.