Town Showcases A Revamped Schultz Park

Just a stone's throw from the town's main artery, Schultz Park had perhaps become a largely forgotten and somewhat neglected gem. 

However that may now change with recent improvements thanks to a $1,000 America The Beautiful Grant from the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection's Urban Forestry Division, $1,600 from the Simsbury Garden Club and the work of some town staff and numerous volunteers. 

Improvements in the park included including a restored gazebo, an updated map, some new benches and tree identification signs. As visitors walk the meandering path through the relatively small park, they can see some 25 tree species. 

"It's really an arboretum," said Public works Director Tom Roy. "There are a huge number of rare, specimen grade trees." 

Janet Fischer, past garden club president, said club members spent many hours over the years beautifying the park. It only seemed fitting to support its revival, she said. 

"So many members worked so hard in the park - in the past," she said. "I felt it was a very good place to put our money." 

Other volunteers included members of the Simsbury Beautification Committee and Joan Galliher, who now lives out of town, was also honored for her many hours volunteering in Simsbury. 

DEEP urban forestry coordinator Chris Donnelly praised the work. 

"This is a beautiful park," he said. "It's a great space." 

First Selectman Mary Glassman said the work was a great example of public and private partnerships. 

According to the Park and Recreation Department's web site, the park at was donated in 1946 by Henry and John Ellsworth in memorial of their sister Annie Ellsworth Schultz.

Find the park at 921 Hopmeadow Street (Route 10), roughly across from J. Foster's.