Posted on April 16, 2018
By Chris Dehnel, Southington Patch
The state Bond Commission is awarding a grant for pond work at Camp
The State Bond Commission has approved a $3 million grant for the Southington Community YMCA for dredging work at the Camp Sloper pond.
Speaker of the House Joe Aresimowicz (D-Southington/Berlin) made the announcement on Friday.
“Camp Sloper has been an integral part of the community for not only kids from Southington, but kids from several nearby towns, and the pond is an essential part of the camp,” Aresimowicz said. “When I went to visit the camp and was informed of how serious the problem was getting, including kids not wanting to swim because they were developing swimmer’s itch from the conditions, I felt it was important to help fix the issue so the camp can continue to provide a safe and fun place for kids to enjoy.
“These funds will provide assistance to the YMCA to develop and implement a preservation plan to dredge Sloper Pond to ensure the long-term health of the pond for future generations of the people who enjoy it as well as the wildlife who inhabit it.”
Aresimowicz said “long-term natural causes” have led to the pond’s depth decreasing dramatically.
The shallower conditions have contributed to the pond becoming more susceptible to a condition called “swimmer’s itch” and has also led to aquatic vegetation taking over the pond every spring, Aresimowicz said. It is currently being chemically treated on an annual basis.
“Although the pond is still relatively healthy, if no action is taken, the pond has the potential to turn into a swamp in years to come,” he said.
The dredging is expected to include the removal of 125,000 cubic yards of silt and sediment. Increased depth will create an environment that is not conducive to aquatic vegetation growth, Aresimowicz said.
The funds will also be used to re-grade the swim areas and provide floating logs for turtles and other wildlife, sunken trees and rock clusters for fish habitat.
Also in the plans is an accessible fishing pier, Aresimowicz said.
Preventative measures will also be taken “to ensure that the pond can be routinely maintained in the future,” he added.
“We are beyond thrilled and appreciative with the state’s approval to support our Sloper Pond Dredging Project. What a terrific validation of our efforts to protect and enhance one of Southington’s most precious resources. The Sloper Pond Dredging Project, when completed, will be an incredible gift for future generations to share and use. Thanks to our elected state officials past and present for your continued support of our Y,” said John Myers, the executive director, for the Southington–Cheshire Community YMCAs.
Source: Southington Patch
