June M. Hoye, Publicity Chairperson
During the past year of Covid-19 Isolation, I have been posting on our Facebook page a series of articles on the History of the Boardwalk and a final summary series called Donations through the Decades. This series of articles chronicles the various donations that the Foundation has made to the Boardwalk and beyond.
I started with an article that focused on the original land donations, grants, and volunteer time that came to $10,000,000! Then, I focused on the enhancements to the Boardwalk such as the Monument, Educational signs, Maintenance funds, Trash Receptacles, Grass Beach Plantings, and Educational Pamphlets.
Safety concerns were addressed with Security Cameras, an All-Terrain Vehicle to access the boardwalk and help transport any injured visitors, and a Solaware Sun Protection Monitor. Access for the Handicapped was made possible by a Beach Accessibility Mat.
I also mentioned the projects we sponsored Beyond the Boardwalk such as the McCook Park Bandstand and Lights, the Benches on the Main St. Park, and some of the trees at the Hope St. Parking Lot.
From 2005-2021, 16 years of stewardship have ensured that the Boardwalk continues to be the beloved spot for walking, viewing, and meditating. During that time, the Foundation has donated to the Town of East Lyme a total of $10,212,610!
The East Lyme Public Trust Foundation is a not-for-profit corporation created by a group of dedicated citizens of southeastern Connecticut to promote, provide, and protect an improved quality of life for all people in the region and state through its activities in the public trust.
The Foundation continues to be active and open to new ideas in the public interest. It has worked cooperatively with federal, state, and local agencies while maintaining special ties with the East Lyme Parks and Recreation Department and the University of Connecticut. The East Lyme Public Trust Foundation is dedicated to keeping our commitment to protecting the Boardwalk.
A complete chart of these donations will soon be posted on our web-site, https://publictrustfoundation.org
Please follow us on Facebook at East Lyme Public Trust Foundation and Niantic Bay Boardwalk
| CHART-DONATIONS THROUGH THE DECADES | ||
| Year | Donation | Amount |
| THE BOARDWALK | ||
| 2005-2006 | Donations to Build and Value Added | $10,000,000 |
| 2005, 2016 | Educational Signs | 41,400 |
| 2005,2020 | Monument and Dedication Plaques | 17,275 |
| 2007,08,10,18 | Security Cameras | 42,304 |
| 2018 | Beach accessibility Mat | 3,725 |
| 2016 | Boardwalk Welcome Signs | 3,364 |
| 2017,18,19 | Trash Receptacles | 8,181 |
| 2016,18 | Grass Beach Plantings | 563 |
| 2018 | Educational Pamphlets | 2,194 |
| 2005, 08 | Boardwalk Maintenance Funds | 52,500 |
| 2008 | All-Terrain Vehicle-Security | 7,800 |
| 2019 | Solaware Sun Protection Monitor | 1,000 |
| BEYOND THE BOARDWALK | ||
| 20017,20019 | McCook Park Bandstand and Lights | 25,000 |
| 2018 | Benches-Main St. Park | 3,850 |
| 2012 | Hope St. Trees | 3,454 |
| TOTAL | $10,212,610 |