Parks and Recreation Commission approves temporary off-site parking for WaveMeLife construction

The Parks and Recreation Commission on Jan. 21 unanimously approved a request from WaveMeLife Network to use approximately 75 off-site parking spaces during construction of a 30‑bed short‑term rehab addition at its New Canaan campus.

WaveMeLife chief executive officer Russ Barksdale told the commission the organization will add about 30 on‑site spaces as part of the project and needs off‑site staging for staff and some construction workers during the roughly 24–27 month build. "We will maintain the parking spaces in terms of snow, whether their maintenance that needs to be done. We provide a whole hold harmless clauses and agreements, between us and the town, and we'll also provide insurance coverages for anything, any of our cars, that are on, the town's property," Barksdale said.

The commission’s approval covers roughly 75 spaces in the pool pavilion parking lot at Waveny (referred to in the request as the pool pavilion/Banco pool area) and allows use of other designated areas approved by Parks staff when necessary. The motion, made by Keith Ritchie and seconded by Britney Singer, passed on a roll‑call vote: Hank Green, Keith Ritchie, Melanie Hearn, George Bennington, Doug Murphy, Britney Singer, David Shea, Tim Kumpo and Jean (recorded as "Jean") all voted yes; there were no recorded no votes or abstentions.

Why it matters: WaveMeLife said the addition is intended to add 30 private short‑term rehab rooms to meet local demand and to support the nonprofit’s charity care. Project representatives told the commission they expect to seek approvals from Inland Wetlands and the Planning & Zoning Commission the week after the special meeting, and they hope to begin construction in late fourth quarter 2025 or early 2026, pending permitting and bidding.

Commission discussion focused on safety and scheduling during overlap weeks when the pool parking or school lots might be in use. Commissioners and staff emphasized that the commission’s approval is limited to designated areas and dates provided by Parks staff, and that WaveMeLife will be responsible for arranging alternatives when conflicts arise. Parks staff said the hold‑harmless agreement and insurance coverage will be handled through the First Selectman’s office and town counsel.

Chair George Bennington praised the cooperative approach, saying, "This is 1 of those things that makes New Canaan special because groups that work together for the common good can get together and figure things out." The commission closed the special meeting after the vote.