Town crews broke ground on September 11th, 2023 and are preparing the site work for the AARP-funded 16x16 cedar octagon gazebo that will provide shade and an observation platform for Wilton’s new Senior Citizen Science program. The building will also be open to the general public and house community events like concerts, poetry readings and dedication ceremonies, and provide for passive recreation and photography of local wildlife.
The $17,000 competitive AARP Community Challenge grant covers all expenses including town crew work, materials, program development and training, and permitting. A volunteer crew of Wilton residents, and a family member from North Carolina, will assemble the building once cement footings are installed and cured. Depending on weather, assembly should begin Sept 20th and take a few days.
The building will be dedicated to Doc Galloway, Wilton’s physician for 23 years from 1945 through 1968. Read about the good doctor here. Many residents still remember him fondly and his family has made additional donations to enhance the gazebo. A formal dedication ceremony is planned for Old Home Days next August when residents will be able to tell their own Doc Galloway stories.
The gazebo will open to the public and the Senior Citizen Science volunteers in early October. The location is ideal for river wildlife observation and sits in place of two parking spots that have been generously deeded to the town by the owners of the Wilton Falls building. We’ve maintained the beautiful maple tree that was planted during Phase I of the Wilton Riverwalk project. The green space underneath will make a great spot for a picnic table and additional seating that many residents who walk that pathway have requested.
For more information about this project, feel free to reach out to [email protected].
Town personnel accept delivery of gazebo materials.
Selectman Matt Fish visited the groundbreaking site as town crews removed the blacktop to create a permeable surface for the new building. Once footings are installed, the area will be backfilled with crushed gravel.
The gazebo is located next to Stony Brook, a federally protected river. All NHDES permit requirements are being followed to protect the water.