Today, Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz, Mayor Michael Passero, and members of the New London legislative delegation toured recent developments in New London made possible with support from state funding.

"Partnerships between the state and its municipalities have the power to transform communities throughout Connecticut. I’m always particularly grateful and excited to see investments in spaces – whether for the arts or recreation – that will help to create thriving, vibrant communities and local economies,” said Lt. Governor Bysiewicz. “Both the new urban art park at Lyman Allyn Art Museum and the new Community Center will provide an invaluable benefit to everyone in a community.”

“I am proud to be able to show off the investments being made to the cultural and recreational assets in our city thanks to the support of Governor Lamont’s administration and the State legislature through the Community Investment Fund. The creation of a beautiful park at Lyman Allyn will vastly improve the connection between that historic institution to our community and the State’s investment in New London’s Community Recreation Center is a direct investment in the wellbeing of our residents,” said Mayor Passero.

The tour began at Lyman Allyn Art Museum, which will receive more than $3.2 million in state funding from grants awarded through the Good to Great program and the Community Investment Fund to transform the museum's outdoor space into a 12-acre urban art park.

"We are absolutely thrilled to receive this very generous grant,” said Museum Director Sam Quigley. “These funds will enable the realization of our Founder’s farsighted vision by creating a Park as a splendid setting for the Museum. This support from the State of Connecticut is essential in our ongoing efforts to serve our community as a cultural institution that engages all visitors in new and meaningful ways. The Lyman Allyn Park will not only enrich the cultural landscape of New London but also provide a safe, inspiring, and educational space for people of all backgrounds to connect with the arts and nature."

The group then visited the site of the future community center. With the support of a $7 million Community Investment Fund grant, the facility will feature recreation activities, rooms for education and community use, and will house the City’s recreation and youth affairs departments.

"New London is a prime example of what happens when state and local governments work together to enhance our communities," Rep. Christine Conley said. "The success and progress we have seen here today would not have been possible without the support of the Lamont administration. Thank you to Lieutenant Governor Bysiewicz for visiting our city today and for your continued support of New London."

"The funding we are celebrating today will have a real, measurable impact on the residents of New London," Rep. Anthony Nolan said. "The funding for the Lyman Allyn Art Museum will make it even more welcoming to tourists and residents alike, the community center will grow the bonds of our neighbors, and the early childhood center funding will help to educate and grow the next generation of leaders. Thank you to the Lamont administration for their critical support, and to Lieutenant Governor Bysiewicz for spending the morning in our beautiful city."

“The Community Investment Fund, created by lawmakers, is delivering real results in our community. Lyman Allyn’s art park and the Community Center will provide opportunities for recreation and enrichment for many years to come,” said Sen. Martha Marx.

Contact: Sam Taylor     

Samantha.Taylor@ct.gov