Hiking Group Explores Dividend Park

Activist and environmentalist Ed Chiucarello led a group of volunteers and experts on hike through Dividend Park Saturday morning. Chiucarello used the hike as a chance to learn more about the state archaeological preserve and figure out how to best clean and clear the trails for town residents and visitors to Rocky Hill.

History of Dividend Park

From information provided by Chiucarello, the area where Dividend Park is now located served as Rocky Hill's first industrial park from 1667 when it was granted to Rev. Gershom Bulkeley until the early 1900s. The park produced such items as horseshoes, lumber, toys and hoes among others.

During the 1920s, the dam was constructed and in 1975, it was taken over by Rocky Hill. A study on the dam was conducted in 2001 and several residents and experts feel there are safety concerns with the dam.

In 2002, amateur archaeologist June Cooke along with the friends of the Office of Connecticut Archaeology conducted a dig in Dividend Park. In 2004, the land was designated as a state archaeological preserve and was placed on the State Historic Register after years of research and review.

Saturday's Hike

Nick Bellatoni of the Office of Connecticut Archaeology and archaeology consultant Bruce Greene helped provide insight and personal knowledge of the area during the hike. The men helped explained how the area may have looked during the 18th and 19th century.

The group uncovered a metal wheel, found a millstone and discovered a valve that controlled the flow of water from the dam. One of the interesting parts of the tour was when the group discovered what is believed to be another dam off of Pleasantly Valley Road.

"This has to be a dam," Bellatoni said.

When cleaning Dividend Park, Bellatoni explained the group should clear the area above ground while avoiding digging and keeping the paths clear.

"Start with a leaf blower, then you can see how tender you have to be," Bellatoni said.

Bellatoni told volunteers when they are cleaning the area; they should leave exposed artifacts alone and not disturb them. He also suggested having an industrial archaeologist walk the site and map out the area.

Several of the hikers commented on how it is easy to miss the park because there is little signage. Chiucarello is hoping to add more signage to the site in the near future. He also wants to place signs with pictures and information at points of interest throughout the trail loop.

After the hour and a half hike, Bellatoni, who is typing up a letter about Saturday's hike, said Dividend Park is "a great resource."

"This is an important site," he said. "I think what you are doing here is great."

Chiucarello thanked Greene and Bellatoni for their help during the hike and was excited to have them as "a part of the process."

"He sees things that I don't," Chiucarello said about Bellatoni.

Future of the Dividend Park

Later this month, Chiucarello is expected to present a slideshow to the Town Council about Dividend Park. In March, he plans to meet with the Park and Recreation Advisory Board to go over an improvement proposal for Dividend Park. He along with volunteers will spend the months of February, March, April and May cleaning up the park.

Chiucarello wants to hold a grand opening for Dividend Park on June 2. The public would be invited to the event and he would lead a hike through the trail loop.

Chiucarello thanked the town, the Parks and Recreation Department and its director Lisa Zerio for all their help and support with the project.

"I don't want to do anything without her (Zerio) blessing," Chiucarello said.

Volunteers are needed to help Chiucarello clean up Dividend Park, however the town will handle the heavy work. He will be requesting "a hold harmless form from the town manager" later this week and plans to hold a cleanup session on Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon.

"We want to clean this place up," Chiucarello said. "It is like cleaning a closet."

Bob Ludwig is bringing his trailer to make transporting the debris to the transfer station easy. Anyone interested in helping is asked to contact Chiucarello, by emailing him at lexarded@cox.net.

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