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Middlebury Parks & Rec presents options to repair cottage or build new pavilions at recreation area
Summary
Parks & Recreation chair presented a study committee plan for the Middlebury Recreation Area: repairing the cottage is estimated at $270,000; replacing it with two pavilions is estimated at $190,000; a full staged rebuild with accessible paths, garage and guard shelter is estimated at $580,000. The board asked for resident input and health-department clarification on existing holding tanks.
First Selectwoman Jennifer A. Mahr introduced Parks & Recreation Commission Chair Carolanne Browne, who presented findings and concept renderings from the MRA (Middlebury Recreation Area) Study Committee.
Browne told the board the committee compared options residents had discussed online and in public forums. The committee’s architect provided two key cost estimates: an opinion-of-probable-cost of about $270,000 to repair and bring the existing cottage up to code, and a $189,744.50 estimate to construct two new 16-by-20-foot pavilions (Architect: Jacunski Humes, conceptual cost summary dated Jan. 21, 2026). Browne said the committee also developed a staged full-option plan—two covered pavilions, a new garage, a guard shelter, a connecting patio, and an accessible paved path to the beach—estimated at about $581,628 (committee estimate note: project could be built in stages; does not include potential costs to replace an existing bathroom holding tank).
Browne said the pavilion option would be open to Middlebury residents and their guests, and the first year the committee suggested leaving the pavilions unfurnished so residents could bring their own tables and chairs; the committee also discussed permitting rentals in later years. The proposal includes a paved path wide enough for emergency vehicles to reach the beach and pavilion areas and upgrades intended to make beach access handicapped accessible for the first time.
Board members asked practical questions. First Selectwoman Mahr asked whether the pavilions would remain open to the public; Browne said the committee initially envisions an open pavilion with rental possibilities tested later. Selectman J. Paul Vance asked whether state or federal grants had been investigated to defray costs; Browne said the committee had not pursued grant funding yet. Browne also told the board the committee is in contact with the Torrington Health Department about the restrooms above the beach, which currently use a holding tank; removing and replacing that tank would add cost and was not yet included in the project estimate.
Next steps identified at the meeting: the board must indicate whether it wants the study committee to seek resident approval of a particular project option (at referendum or other public vote), and the committee will pursue additional information from the health department on the holding tank before returning with a recommended path.
The study committee’s detailed concept drawings and budget estimates are attached to the meeting packet.
