Donations Will Lead to Playscape's Construction

Last week, Oxford received two donations of $20,000 apiece to be put toward a new playscape in town that First Selectman George Temple wants to build. As a result of the donations, construction of the playscape will begin in June, Temple said.

Oxford received donations from James Nemergut of Stratford as part of a deal with Temple, and from Competative Power Ventures.

In a news release from Temple's aide Joanne Pelton, the proposed playscape was described as a "multi-aged playground that will be located on about two acres of land across from the Great Oak School on Great Oak Road. It  will include one specific area for children ages 2-5 and another for children ages 5-12 and will include swings, a kids' cabin, stump walk, bell ringer, chimes and other activities as well as picnic tables for family gatherings. Most of it will be made from recycled plastic materials and it will be constructed by contractors and local volunteers. It is slated to start sometime this summer."

Last week the Board of Selectmen agreed to release a $44,434 bond to Nemergut, of Stratford for Carriage Estates, Phase II and III. Instead of going to court over the release of the bond money, Town Counsel Kevin Condon met with Nemergut and they reached a settlement.  By releasing the bond, Nemergut agreed to donate $20,000 of the money to the town to go toward the playscape, the news release states.

“Jim has proven to be a man who is concerned with the youth of our town," Temple states in the release. "Through his generous support, our playscape can become a reality. I thank him for his kind gift. His donation will pay dividends in children’s smiles for years to come." 

The news release states that CPV made the contribution as part of its longstanding practice of being involved in the community. The company develops clean energy facilities across North America and recently partnered in the proposed Towantic Power Project in 2011.

“CPV works closely with our host communities in which we operate," said Pete Podurgiel, CPV Senior Vice President said in the release. "The town’s impressive focus on investing in education and children for the future inspired us to become involved with this project."

Temple said: "It’s a pleasure to have corporate citizens who are willing to step up in support of our town. This project is particularly important because it meets a real need in Oxford. We will have a facility that will accommodate parents and children and provide a safe environment for our kids to play. I applaud CPV and thank them for their generous financial support for Oxford’s youth.’’