‘This Park is a Gem’: Willimantic Whitewater Park officially opens

WILLIMANTIC — The Willimantic Whitewater Partnership celebrated the grand opening of the Willimantic Whitewater Park. The celebration came to the community as something that had been in the making since 2002, when the partnership was first established.

It was in 2003 that the Willimantic Whitewater Partnership was incorporated. Peter Leeds, president of the Partnership, said despite the chilly day and sprinkles on Saturday, between 50 and 70 people attended the grand opening.

Local officials who attended the celebration included Mayor Tom DeVivo, State Senator Mae Flexer, grantor Michael Pallein, who represented the Leo T. and Rose Pageau Fund, and past major donor David Foster.

Also in attendance were Greg Zlotnick Sr., Peter Zlotnick and Azalea Bisignano from Zlotnick, the park’s builders. Founding member, Dan Mullins, spoke about the next phase of the project, the dam modification being designed, which will be completed by late 2027.