Middletown council backs concept plan for Dunlap Wheeler Park, tentatively budgets design work

The Middletown Town Council on March 16 voted to express support for a conceptual enhancement plan for Dunlap Wheeler Park and authorized administration to pursue final design, permitting and funding when available.

Town staff and Beta Group consultant Nathan Scioscia presented a design focused on improved ADA access, preserving the daffodil lawn, removing invasive plants and creating softer shoreline edges. The presentation included background research, a community survey with about 170 respondents and a review of deed restrictions affecting allowable structures.

Scioscia described ideas for a larger looped circulation system, three seating areas, a natural playscape and interpretive signs, adding that the concept intentionally scaled back earlier, more ambitious ideas after public input. "We think the next steps are to take the conceptual design into a final design to go through permitting, to help the town look for funding for the project as well as preparing construction documents," he said.

The consultant supplied an early planning cost estimate of about $1,600,000; a large portion of that figure covers seawall rebuilding and a one-foot raise to enhance coastal protection. Councilors pressed staff on deed restrictions that appear to bar new structures on some parcels; town counsel and staff said removing those limits would likely require court or Attorney General review. Staff also noted that some shoreline elements may be under Newport ownership and that CRMC permitting will be required for coastal work.

Councilors emphasized safety and resilience, asking staff to examine potential pedestrian bridge options and to pursue non-tax funding where possible. The council approved a resolution supporting the concept plan by voice vote and directed staff to proceed to the next design and funding steps.