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Cheshire council seeks $1M STEAP grant for Mixville Park improvements; approves pollinator garden access
Summary
The Town of Cheshire authorized a $1 million STEAP grant application for Mixville Park phase 2 improvements and approved an access agreement with the Cheshire Pollinator Pathway for a native pollinator garden; council agreed to allocate a 20% local match of approximately $246,800 if the grant is awarded.
The Town of Cheshire Town Council on Feb. 11 approved two related measures to advance improvements at Mixville Park: authorization to apply for a 2025 Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP) grant for $1,000,000 and approval of an access agreement with Cheshire Pollinator Pathway Inc. for a native pollinator garden at the park.
Why it matters: The STEAP application would fund Phase 2 of Mixville Park improvements, including a boardwalk to complete ADA accessibility, a suspension bridge and a removable fishing dock, replacement of the main pavilion, and other site amenities. The council also authorized allocating roughly $246,800 in the FY 2026 capital budget to meet the required 20% local match if the grant is awarded.
Details and supporting remarks: Town Manager Sean M. Kimball said the application is due Feb. 20 and described the project elements and cost estimate: "The application would be for a million dollars to the state and then the 20% match...adding the boardwalk which is gonna complete the ADA accessibility ... replacement of the main pavilion and then some miscellaneous improvements including bocce court, horseshoe pit, and park signage." The packet lists a total project estimate of $1,248,600 including contingency and match.
On the pollinator garden, Joanna DeBaer, vice president of the Cheshire Pollinator Pathway, described a proposed native-plant installation near the park entrance. "We're gonna do probably a 50 by 20 patch just because we wanna keep it manageable...we're working with a landscape designer who specializes in native plants," she said. The council approved the access agreement with the nonprofit and authorized the town manager to sign the documents upon town-attorney approval.
Votes and follow-up: Both resolutions passed unanimously by those present. The town manager said award notifications for the STEAP program are expected on or about April 3, 2025. The Pollinator Pathway said volunteers will maintain the small demonstration garden and will coordinate with Parks and Rec and neighbors on upkeep plans.
Ending: With approvals in hand, the town will submit the STEAP application and the Pollinator Pathway expects to begin planting when weather permits; both measures are intended to advance park access, habitat and recreational amenities.
