Derby installs sidewalks near Ryan Field

New sidewalks along Chatfield Street in Derby. / Submitted photo

  

DERBY – Derby High School and Pop Warner events generate a lot of foot traffic in and around Ryan Field, especially during football and soccer season. 

Thanks to the combined efforts of Derby Public Works and the Derby Board of Aldermen, football fans and other visitors have a safer path to travel.

New sidewalks have been installed on Chatfield Street so pedestrians don’t have to walk on the busy roadway.

“This is just one of the many projects completed by our public works department for the betterment of our community,” said Mayor Anita Dugatto.  

DPW has made improvements at Witek Memorial Park, the Derby Green, Derby Senior Center, Derby Greenway, and the Picnic Grove on Nutmeg Avenue.  Many street islands have also been cleaned up and refreshed with new plantings.  

All of the improvements were completed within DPW’s existing budget.

“These initiatives are not only about improving Derby’s curb appeal.  In many cases, they are in the interest of public safety,” Dugatto said.

Ryan Field visitors will also benefit from a new crosswalk on Hawthorne Avenue.  The crosswalk leads to a “new” sidewalk.  The sidewalk, buried for years under brush and weeds, was uncovered during DPW’s maintenance work and restored to full use.

“I live in this neighborhood, and there is substantial foot traffic in and around the field each day.  The city not only addressed a huge safety concern, but our Department of Public Works really stepped up to the plate and made the area around the field look more attractive,” said Art Gerckens, President of the Board of Aldermen.  

This is a press release from Mayor Anita Dugatto's office.