Bethel Park Debuts $1 Million Transformation After Years Of Planning

BETHEL, CT — After years of planning and a $1 million investment, Bethel will officially unveil the transformed Parloa Park during a grand opening celebration Saturday.

The celebration will begin at 9:30 a.m. Oct. 10, according to Bethel Parks & Recreation, which is inviting residents to see the park's new playground and celebrate the completion of the long-awaited project.

The overhaul was funded with $500,000 in state bonding and $500,000 from Bethel's remaining federal American Rescue Plan Act funds. The State Bond Commission approved the state funding in 2024.

Plans to improve the park, located near South Street and Blackman Avenue, had been in the works for years. Bethel's Board of Selectmen initially approved improvements in 2019, while construction on the latest version of the project began in summer 2025.

The project included relocating and expanding the basketball court and expanding the playground with new swings, a climbing structure for older children and space for accessible play equipment.

Plans also called for a gaga pit and space for games such as hopscotch and foursquare in the former basketball court area, as well as new stairs and an accessible ramp connecting the park to Blackman Avenue.

State Rep. Raghib Allie-Brennan, D-Bethel, said this week he was "incredibly proud" to have helped secure the $500,000 state contribution toward the project.

Allie-Brennan and Gov. Ned Lamont toured the project while construction was underway in August. At the time, officials said the improvements were designed to make the park more accessible while adding new recreational opportunities for residents.

Saturday's grand opening is open to the community.