The Waterbury Times|CT Urban Affairs|July 27, 2026 7:28pm
WATERBURY — State Representative Ron Napoli is highlighting a $385,000 state bond allocation coming back to Waterbury for improvements at Hayden Park and Urban Fresh Gardens.
Napoli, who serves as Chairman of the Connecticut House Bonding Subcommittee, announced that the funding will support infrastructure and quality-of-life improvements in the 73rd District and surrounding neighborhoods.
The largest portion of the investment — approximately $360,000 — will go toward improvements at Hayden Park. Planned upgrades include new and improved lighting, sidewalks, benches, repairs to retaining walls and stairs, tree removal and pruning, security cameras, Wi-Fi access, and additional site improvements designed to make the park safer and more accessible for residents.
CT Urban Affairs-Bridgeport • Hartford • New Haven
An additional $25,000 will support Urban Fresh Gardens, funding improvements such as new garden beds, tree removal, site enhancements, and an irrigation system to strengthen the community garden space.
“These projects may not always make the headlines, but they make a real difference in our neighborhoods,” Napoli said. “They improve public spaces, support our families, and enhance the quality of life in our city.”
Napoli credited Governor Ned Lamont, House Speaker Matt Ritter, Majority Leader State Representative Jason Rojas, Senator Joan Hartley, the Waterbury legislative delegation, and the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) for helping secure the funding.
CGA Watch: Why It Matters
State bonding decisions are one of the ways Connecticut invests directly in local communities. For residents of the 73rd District, projects like Hayden Park improvements represent the connection between state government decisions made at the Capitol and everyday life in Waterbury neighborhoods.
Public space improvements, safety upgrades, and community investments remain ongoing issues for cities like Waterbury as officials work to improve neighborhood infrastructure and quality of life.
The Waterbury Times will continue following state legislative activity and tracking how decisions made in Hartford impact the 73rd District and the city of Waterbury.
Leave a Reply