Voluntown gazebo nearing completion

By AMY BETH PREISS
Norwich Bulletin

VOLUNTOWN -The heart of the village is taking on a new look and a new sense of importance.

The gazebo project, spear headed by the Economic Development Commission, is near completion.

And if First Selectman Thomas Wilber has his way, hundreds of people will be sitting in the fields behind Town Hall enjoying music, eating a picnic lunch or supper or just walking around enjoying the view of Saw Mill Pond.

"I envision about 1,000 people on the hillside out here," Wilber said. "This will be very good for the town. We've got the Economic Development Commission to thank."

The gazebo -- built jointly by a crew from Stonington Post & Beam Homes Inc. of Voluntown, Road Foreman Ronald Millovitsch and volunteers from the Voluntown Fire Department -- overlooks Saw Mill Pond. It is conveniently located near Town Hall, the Voluntown Library and several fields, which may also soon be getting a face lift, town officials said.

Officials are hoping the entire area behind Town Hall eventually will become the centerpiece of the town. Right now, all that's left to complete the 16- by 16-foot building is to paint the fascia and shingle the roof. Stonington Post & Beam Homes Inc., owned by Don Barber, donated materials and labor for their portion of the project, Wilber said. The hand knotched structure is made from Douglas Fir and the rail ings from cedar.

"I'm very pleased the way this has turned out," Wilber said.

Economic Development Commission Chairman Jack Wesa said the gazebo fits in with the commission's village beautification efforts. Wesa said the gazebo subcommittee is planning caroling during the holiday season and a series of Sunday afternoon concerts next summer.

"This all goes along with plans to enhance the charm of our village," Wesa said. "When the village becomes enhanced, more people will want to travel through here and patronize the local businesses." The town recently tore down the house adjacent to the library, creating more green space.

Wilber said there are plans to reseed the grass and thin the trees for a better view of the pond. There's also talk about installing lights around the heavily used gravel walking trail.

The Recreation Commission is working on site plans to beautify its fields, Wilber said. He said the commission is considering a picnic area near the pond, a skating rink and a toddler's playground.

Mike Magario, a member of the town's Recreation Commission, said Friday the commission has talked about a picnic area, but there is no money available right now.

apreiss@norwichbulletin.com