New London formalizes long-running arrangement with Heritage Historical Village

The New London Parks and Recreation Commission approved a written agreement with the New London Heritage Historical Village on Aug. 5, formalizing an arrangement that staff said had operated informally since at least 1988.

Ginger, a parks staff member, told the commission she found an unsigned 1988 draft and worked with village representatives to put current responsibilities in writing. "It's been sort of a handshake agreement per se between the two of us, and now we've got it in writing," she said.

Under the agreement as described at the meeting, the city will continue routine grounds work such as mowing and snow removal while the Historical Village will be responsible for maintaining the building on city property and its utilities. Ginger said the village also houses some city equipment, including the server for a camera system at Memorial Park, and noted the lack of a Wi‑Fi bridge at the site.

A commissioner asked whether the new paperwork represents any substantive change to operations; staff and the village representative said it does not. The commission made and seconded a motion to approve the agreement; the motion carried by voice vote. Ginger said the mayor will sign the agreement after the council meeting to make it official.

The item closes a long-running informal relationship by making responsibilities and liability expectations explicit; the agreement includes standard clauses on maintenance, liability and equipment storage but no budget appropriation was announced at the meeting.