Christine Palm

For far too long, Higganum has suffered from a lack of recreational opportunities for both families with young children, and seniors who are looking to stay active.

That's why I'm happy to announce the town will receive approximately $760,000 in grant funding from the State Bond Commission, with approval of two projects in Higganum — the entranceway to the town of Haddam.

A total of $480,000 was secured to create an intergenerational playground, with pickle ball court, and replace much of the roof on the former Haddam Elementary School, which the Town of Haddam plans to use as a community center. An additional $280,000 was also granted for the creation of Higganum Cove Park. The Cove, which was the site of various mills dating as far back as the 1670s and as recently as the 1980s, has been remediated for contamination. 

This plan, which the community overwhelmingly approves of, will go a long way in helping to revitalize this key area of town. This project is an example of government cooperation at its best — community engagement, municipal leadership, and the Legislative and Executive branches all coming together for the good of the local residents. 

I'm grateful for the opportunity to partner with Sen. Needleman and First Selectman McGarry on moving these two exciting projects forward.