New Haven Independent

Early in the morning on Saturday, October 4, a contingent of eighteen Rotarians from New Haven, East Haven and Hamden; plus volunteers from the Yale Rotaract Club and members of the Interact Club of New Haven’s High School in the Community combined their cleanup power and combed the beaches and park grounds at the historic Lighthouse Park in New Haven.

Led by Sharon Sudusky from the New Haven Club, The “Make a Difference Day” assembly of volunteers armed with work gloves, bags, picks, shovels and rakes spread out and helped returned the site to its pristine condition.

“It’s a great place enjoyed by so many throughout the spring and summer,” said Richard Miller a Hamden Rotarian. “Also during the December holidays the entire park is transformed into a wonderland of twinkling lights and eye popping, smile causing holiday displays enjoyed by the entire Greater New Haven community. All the work is done by a small army of local contractor volunteers and companies sponsoring the event. For us to be a part of the enjoyment this park offers gives us a great deal of satisfaction.”

The current lighthouse standing tall above the park grounds was built in 1847 and replaced the original structure at the same site built in 1805.

Visitors of the park are not only graced by the historic protector of past ships entering the harbor, but also delighted by the songs and swirling sensation of the park’s very own carousel. Originally built in 1916 the carousel and its cast were brought back to life through the labor of love of many dedicated volunteers. Today the organ pipes burst with song and the swirling platform of characters equally please children and adults alike.