Updates on Restoration of QRWA Headquarters

The Quinnipiac River Watershed Association (QRWA) is seeking to convert the historic Dossin Beach Bathhouse on Hanover Pond and the Quinnipiac River in Meriden to a regional Quinnipiac Environmental Education Center. QRWA acquired the building in a long-term lease arrangement with the City of Meriden, owner of the park surrounding the site. In our 30 year history, we have long sought a permanent home with waterfront access to realize our dream of linking every citizen in the watershed, especially children and youth, to the River and the natural world. This bond is crucial to the recovery of the
pollution-impaired Quinnipiac, for people will protect what they have grown to love.

To date we have received $34,500 from the Cuno Foundation, for materials to restore the exterior of the building including a new roof and new windows and plumbing materials. A  $5,000 grant was made possible through the City of Meriden's Community Development Block Grant to purchase a new furnace.                             

With the exterior of the restoration project now completed by QRWA board volunteers, and member contributions, past presidents of the Meriden Lions Club, Art Forcier and Ed Haberli combined their president projects and provided $20,000 in materials to replace of all the plumbing and heating, including the duct work to install the new furnace. A security system, media center and ceramic tile for the entire first floor were all added surprises by the Meriden Liions Club to make our dreams come true. A dedication ceremony for our new lobby and classromm took place on June 15th, 2011 with a plaque presented to the Meriden Lions Club naming the newly constructed section The Meriden Lions Club Learning Center.

We are still seeking monetary donations for materials or labor to complete the remainder of our building project and we welcome the continued support from our members and grant opportunities to bring a regional education center to the shores of Hanover Pond to compliment our neighbors of the Meriden Linear Trail.

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