DeGale Field, better known in the city as Goffe Street Park, is headed for a makeover thanks to about $217,597 in grant money that is expected to come from the state.
State Rep. Toni Walker broke that news Tuesday to neighbors of the Whalley Avenue/Edgewood Beaver Hills Community Management Team during its monthly meeting at the police substation next to Minore’s Market.
Walker said the request for funds was to go before the State Bond Commission Thursday morning along with several other requests for New Haven, and she expects that the funds will be on the way. Though the agenda says the money is for building a playground and adding a splash pad, Walker said it will stretch beyond that to really give the park some much needed TLC. (Click the video above to hear what neighbors had to say on a recent cleanup day at the park.)
Nadine Horton, chair of the WEB Management Team, said it is about time.
“Goffe Street Park never gets any love,” she said. “But the park pulls from three different neighborhoods.”
Walker said she envisions in addition to a new playground and splash pad, more lighting and additional seating. But she said neighbors will have input on how best to give the park a facelift through when they meet to plan out the design.
Beaver Hills Alder Jill Marks, who also is active with the Friends of Goffe Street Park stewardship group, said she was happy to hear the news.
“It’s been a long time coming.”
The Bond Commission did approve the project Thursday morning. In addition to the $217,597 for Goffe Street Park, it approved the following grants-in-aid:
• $575,000 for improvements to the little league baseball fields of Fairmont Park in the Fair Haven section of the city including drainage repair and security upgrades.
• $500,000 for Common Ground High School, a debt repayment grant to assist charter schools with capital expenses.
• $2.3 million to the city to assist with sidewalk improvements and repairs.
• $10 million for the city for the reconstruction of a new public works facility. The city has set aside $5 million. The total cost of the project is $15 million.
This is real testament to Alder Marks and Friends of Goffe Street Park. Starting with the vision banner and then Gospel Fest, the community has really turned out to support their park. Goffe Street Park can really be restored to its former glory and a center-piece that brings Beaver Hills, Dixwell, and Newhallville together.