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State Representatives Brendan Sharkey and Peter Villano of Hamden are pleased to report that funding was allocated for a new “all-abilities playground” during today’s meeting of the State Bond Commission. The $400,000 in state funds are a grant to the Town of Hamden for playground construction related costs.

“With the addition of this playground, Town Center Park will help re-knit the downtown, library, Farmington Canal Greenway, middle school and neighboring residential communities. It will become a destination for children and families, add vibrancy to the area that is vital to keeping our quality of life high here in Hamden,” Rep. Sharkey said.

The park, the first all-abilities playground in Hamden, will be named after Joshua Tramontano who brought the idea to the city several years ago.

"I join Majority Leader Sharkey in thanking Governor Malloy and the members of the bond commission for allocating these funds to construct the all-abilities playground at Town Center Park," said Rep.  Villano. "I also thank Rep. Sharkey for his leadership role in obtaining the release of these long-awaited funds.   The new playground will fill the need for an interactive recreation facility at Town Center Park and will add to the attraction of the park as a destination point for all residents."

The playground area will feature equipment for children with special needs but be open to children of all abilities. Construction should begin this fall and when completed by early next year, it will be the first of its kind in Hamden.

“We are extremely fortunate to live in a community that cares about all of its residents. Opening up opportunities for all children to enjoy themselves outdoors, move around and get some exercise is a worthwhile investment,” said Rep. Sharkey. “For years to come, this playground will truly be a destination for children of all abilities. I look forward to seeing this project move forward.”

"The Town of Hamden has long sought the establishment of a top-tier all-abilities playground in our town center, one that is inviting and accessible to everyone in our community,” said Hamden Mayor Scott Jackson.  “I am very grateful to our legislative delegation and to Governor Malloy for recognizing this critical need helping us create another community space where families can gather."

Two Hamden Democratic state representatives have been honored.

 

Rep.  J. Brendan Sharkey recently received the Champion of the Year award from the Connecticut Alliance of Boys and Girls Clubs at an event held at the State Capitol. And, Rep. Peter F. Villano has been appointed to the National Council of State Legislature’s Human Services and Welfare Committee.

 

“State Representative Brendan Sharkey is, without a doubt, a most deserving recipient of our 2011 Boys & Girls Club “Champion of Youth” award.  Not only did Rep. Sharkey give tirelessly of his time as a member of the Board of Directors of the Boys & Girls Club of New Haven for many years, but he has truly been a strong advocate of youth serving organizations state-wide as a Legislator,” said Joe Andreana, Executive Director, CT Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs, Inc.

 

“I am very pleased and humbled to even be considered for this award,” said Sharkey. “Having been involved with the Greater New Haven Club has meant a great deal to me. The kids are terrific, the staff is so dedicated and I have really enjoyed my involvement.”

 

“Brendan joined our board in 2007 and provided great insight.  During his tenure the Club faced very difficult times and he helped both the Club and the board to navigate these tough times with determination and resiliency,” said Stephanie Barnes, Executive Director, Boys & Girls Club of New Haven.  “His commitment to children and youth is evident in everything he does and the Board and Staff of the Boys & Girls Club of New Haven are very proud to call him a friend of the Club.”

 

 Barnes presented the Boys & Girls Club of New Haven “Youth of The Year” award to Elisha Reaves, a senior at Eli Whitney Technical High School in Hamden and long time club member, now after school employee, tutor and mentor. Elisha will attend Berkeley College in the fall majoring in Criminal Justice. After graduation he intends to become a police officer and serve his community.

 

“Elisha is a fine young man who is true role model for the younger club members,” said Sharkey. “He has already given so much at such a young age to so many others that I am proud to see his efforts recognized. I wish him all the best.”

     Villano (D-Hamden) was appointed by Speaker of the House Christopher G. Donovan (D-Meriden) to serve on the Human Services and Welfare National Council .

     The NCSL Human Services and Welfare Committee is one of 12 standing committees of the National Conference of State Legislatures, responsible for developing policies that stress opposition to unfunded federal mandates, prevention of unnecessary preemption of state laws and protection of state revenue sources. The NCSL uses these polices as guides to advocate at the national level.

    “Few issues are as important to me as human services” said Rep. Villano, who serves as co-chair of the General Assembly’s Appropriations Sub-Committee on Human Services.   “I look forward to exchanging ideas and bringing them back to Connecticut.”

     “Rep. Villano’s state legislative experience will allow him to represent Connecticut well as he undertakes this new challenge,” said Speaker Donovan. “I am confident Peter’s work on this committee will not only benefit our state, but help ensure the continued support of this important segment of our society.”

     The National Conference of State Legislatures is a bipartisan organization that provides research, technical assistance and opportunities for policymakers to exchange ideas on the most pressing state issues and to advocate for the interests of states in the American federal system.