Kerry Wood

State Representative Kerry Wood (D-Newington/Rocky Hill/Wethersfield) announced she has secured $400,000 in funding for updates to Elm Ridge Park and $500,000 to help assist in the redevelopment efforts of the former Ames Headquarters on Main Street following a special meeting of the State Bond Commission on Friday.

Elm Ridge Park is Rocky Hill’s signature outdoor entertainment and sports space. It includes ball fields, a skate park, basketball courts, pools, a pavilion, dog park, walking trails, and an amphitheater.  The town rents various parts of the park to the public and recreation leagues to help support the upkeep of park.

The park has needed funds for upgrades to help manage the increase in demand for use, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, updating aging facilities and a redesign of fields at Elm Ridge Park has been a priority of Rep. Wood's since speaking with town and Parks & Recreation officials in 2019 about funding needs.

“I’m thrilled for our wonderful Parks and Recreation team to be able to use these dollars for needed upgrades to get the park fully online for the summer,” Rep. Wood said.

The former Ames Headquarters consists of 12 acres in the heart of Rocky Hill’s downtown and is within walking distance to the town’s municipal campus.

Redevelopment of this property has also been an important priority for Rep. Wood given its central location and years of sitting dormant and getting this property fully redeveloped will greatly add to Rocky Hill’s tax base and be a huge job generator for building trades during construction and create hundreds of permanent jobs once fully completed.

"After many discussions on priorities for the town, there was no question that the Ames property redevelopment was top on the list," Rep. Wood said. "We will create hundreds of construction jobs as well as permanent jobs and greatly increase the tax base on a property that has long been dormant. Our downtown will have more interconnectivity and truly be a wonderful place to live, work, and recreate.

"I'd like to add that neither of these projects would have been possible without the support of the Governor’s office and his team. Additional thanks to the Bonding Committee led by Chairwoman Dorinda Borer. They clearly understand the value of making these investments in the town of Rocky Hill and are confident in their return on investment."