Glendale explores donated land for ball field and pursues grant-funded playground upgrades

Councilors discussed a potential gift of land for a community ball field and reviewed options to rebuild or upgrade the town playground using outside grant funds.

A councilor said property owner Jason Barnes told the town he would be willing to give a roughly five-acre parcel near the Mystic River area for a ball field. Councilors described the site as having a flat area capable of accommodating a field and noted Mr. Barnes had the land listed for sale but expressed willingness to donate it. The council discussed parking options and a nearby landowner (identified in the meeting as "Nevada") who might provide part of an adjoining parcel for parking. Councilors agreed to visit the site and said they would follow up with Mr. Barnes and with other local residents to verify details.

Separately, the council reviewed options for playground and park improvements and discussed applying to an external funding program. Councilors reported contacts with regional recreation managers and said the town could prepare a slideshow (PowerPoint) and photos to support a grant application for a new playground; examples cited included $150,000 awards to other communities. The parks discussion included less-costly immediate actions: two teeter-totter units already purchased and stored in a town shed, and possible replacement of worn elements (tire pieces) in an existing play area.

Councilors also discussed larger amenities — a splash pad was mentioned but noted as high-maintenance and possibly duplicative if a neighboring town is installing one. No grant award was approved at the meeting; the council asked staff to prepare grant materials, visit the proposed ball-field parcel, and return with more information at a future meeting.