AMENIA — About 10 residents attended the regular meeting of the Recreation Commission Tuesday, Feb. 27, to hear details of conceptual plans for recreational enhancement through the phased development of two town parks.
Landscape architect Jane Didona of Didona Associates in Danbury, who has been working with the commission for more than a year, presented conceptual design plans for the dual projects, expected to be multiphased over several years of development.
One project, Amenia Green, would improve the town-owned land adjacent to the Town Hall, and the other, Wassaic Park, would develop acreage abutting Wassaic Brook and the Rail Trail and include a new playground adjacent to Gridley Chapel.
Questions from residents mainly sought clarification with some concern expressed about future cost, although all comments were favorable toward the plans.
“Play is an important aspect of everyone’s life and the life of their community,” Didona said, introducing the plans.
Conceptual plan for Wassaic Park. Didona Associates
Wassaic Park
Wassaic Park, Didona said, holds about 9 landlocked acres, with the area south of the brook considered to be a floodplain. Recent drawings have moved the half-acre dog run to another location within the park.
Speaking of dog runs, Didona said, breeds should be kept separated according to their temperaments and they need to be at least 350 feet from any residence.
Also requiring separation according to age group is the playground area anticipated for the land adjacent to Gridley Chapel. Toddlers and young children should have playground equipment that stands apart from equipment used by older children.
Planning has been done in cooperation with officials from the state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) who have visited the site and made recommendations to assist with meeting regulations and eventually submitting grant applications.
Included in the planning is a recreational sports field that can be used for a variety of sports. A pump track and skate park were moved within the planning to a different location within the park to offer access from the Rail Trail and accommodate inclusion of a walking trail around its perimeter.
The land area to be converted to Wassaic Park and the Gridley Chapel yard is largely owned by the Wassaic Project. The owners have indicated that the pump track area would be developed by the Wassaic Project and the land leased to the town for $1 a year. The town would assume responsibility for insurance.
An existing small pond at the site could be used for winter skating, surrounded by a short walking trail, Didona said.
“We have to keep the brook cool because it is stocked with trout,” Didona explained while outlining the group of improvements to facilitate fishing within the park, including the construction of a fishing platform, accessibility for people with disabilities, and other improvements. The DEC has offered to assist with construction of the fishing access features.
Expert in landscaping, Didona described the presence of large amounts of invasive plants on the site, noting that grant funding is readily available if planning includes environmentally desirable plantings and features.
Conceptual plan for Amenia Green. Didona Associates
Amenia Green
Review of the plans at the Tuesday meeting, Didona explained, had focused more on Wassaic Park because plans for Amenia Green had already been accepted by the town in June 2023. Responding to a resident’s request at the end of the meeting, however, Didona reviewed the plans for Amenia Green, noting the planning phases are nearing completion for that project.
The Amenia Green plans envision correction of the existing drainage issues, expanded parking opportunities, a walking trail around the perimeter of the green area, a pavilion to offer concerts, and a splash pool for the playground area with sheltered seating for adults.
Details of the drainage plans involve new technology including underdrains combined with newly developed drainage fabric to allow water to seep away, an alternative to clay pipes. The system also uses a gravel layer, but Didona explained that soil testing will determine the volume of the gravel layer.
“There will be more places for water to go and to be absorbed gradually,” Didona said.
Next Steps
Recreation Commission secretary Peter McCaffrey noted that this planning for both park areas is akin to a master plan for the multiphase, multiyear effort.
Speaking of the phased program, Didona said that the town’s Recreation Commission needs to “build momentum” toward the next steps in the phased program of recreational park enhancement.
Commenting after the meeting when asked about the next step, McCaffery replied that the Recreation Commission will study the plan and focus on what is needed for the first phase, including surveying and mapping of wetlands and floodplain, and assessing impact on endangered species in the area, notably salamander and bog turtles.
The next steps will also call for the creation of formalized design drawings by an engineer, in advance of receiving cost estimates for construction.
To view images of the park plans, go to www.ameniany.gov
“We had such a fun party for her,” said AMP founder and artistic director Ellen Griesedieck. “I am excited for what is next for Amy and grateful for every moment she has invested in her work at AMP.”
Wynn, who previously led the Northwest Connecticut Arts Council, said her decision to step down came after careful reflection.
“It’s time for me to shift into the next phase of my career, which will call upon my 40-plus years of nonprofit experience to do project work,” she said. “I’ve absolutely loved my time at AMP.”
Visitors to the American Mural Project.Sky Johnson
Under Wynn’s leadership, AMP expanded education programs, deepened community partnerships and oversaw key milestones in the creation of its monumental centerpiece — a three-dimensional mural stretching 120 feet long and five stories high — celebrating American ingenuity, industry and collaboration.
“Through all these years, Amy has worked with tireless enthusiasm for AMP, running day-to-day operations and guiding the overall direction of our mission,” Griesedieck said.
During Wynn’s tenure, AMP evolved from a concept into a dynamic cultural campus. She helped professionalize its structure, solidify its funding base and develop programs that drew visitors from across the state and beyond.
“The work she has accomplished, the hours of overtime she has logged, the mountains we have climbed together since that moment are many and miraculous,” Griesedieck said.
AMP also weathered challenging times, including the pandemic, which forced arts organizations to rethink audience engagement. Wynn guided the team during that uncertain period with a steady hand.
To ensure a smooth transition, AMP has brought on Renee Chatelain of RMCreative Solutions, LLC, an experienced consultant, attorney and arts administrator who previously worked with AMP on its capital expansion planning.
Chatelain will serve as interim executive director while a national search is conducted for AMP’s next leader.
“A longtime friend, Renee comes to us with a depth of knowledge on executive transition,” said Griesedieck. “As an attorney, a leader of several arts organizations and a classically trained dancer, she is particularly well-suited for this interim role.”
Though stepping down, Wynn said she will continue her work in the nonprofit field in a more flexible, project-based capacity.
“I’ll be seeking consulting projects with other nonprofits, assisting with grant work and strategic planning,” she said. “What I enjoy most is leading a collaborative effort and finding solutions to challenging problems.”
Sky Johnson
Even as AMP bids farewell to Wynn, its focus remains on the future. The next phase of development will focus on converting a second mill building into expanded programming and community space.
“The next step has got to happen,” Griesedieck said. “It’s absolutely what the Northwest Corner needs — a place for the community to congregate.”
The proposed expansion would create flexible areas for performances, workshops and public events, further establishing AMP as a cornerstone of the regional arts scene.
With community support and grants, AMP hopes to carry forward Wynn’s momentum into a new era.
“She is not leaving,” Griesedieck said. “Amy will always be here for us.”
Founded in 2001, the American Mural Project was conceived as a tribute to the American worker — a celebration of skill, creativity and perseverance. The mural, the largest indoor collaborative artwork in the world, was created with contributions from thousands of children, artists, teachers, tradespeople and volunteers nationwide.
Today, AMP offers tours, workshops, lectures and performances, all rooted in its mission: to inspire, invite collaboration and reveal the contributions people of all ages can make to American culture.
As Wynn turns the page, her legacy — from her calm, strategic leadership to the collaborative spirit she fostered — remains woven into the fabric of AMP’s story.
