On October 9th EGH hosted a press conference to discuss the recent news that EGH is being recommended $250,000 in planning funds to support the creation of our healing garden by the CT Community Investment Fund.
The event, which was live streamed on the Town of Hamden facebook page, featured the following speakers:
Lauren Garrett, Town of Hamden Mayor
Jessica Rizzo, Hamden Police Department’s Social Worker
Josh Elliott, Connecticut State Representative
Laurie Sweet, Connecticut State Representative
Crystal Zukauskas, President of Eli’s Garden of Healing
The following is a summary extract of the speech delivered by Board President Crystal Zukauskas
Our proposal was part of over 100 competitive applications submitted in round 7 of CIF funding and was recommended for funding at the CIF Board Meeting on September 30th along with around 30 other projects across the state.
This final group of projects, including Eli’s Garden of Healing, are now on their way to the Governor’s desk for approval followed by the State Bond Commission.
CIF awards two types of grants: ‘Capital Improvement’ and ‘Planning’
‘Capital Improvement’ grants are used for construction and remediation activities and are typically larger multi-million dollar projects.
‘Planning’ grants are set at $250,000 and must be used to fund professional services such as community engagement, feasibility studies, sustainability and planning, development of project plan, conceptual drawings and construction budget documents.
Once formally approved this funding will allow us to complete the essential groundwork—literally and figuratively—to bring this vision to life and to go back to large funding sources at the state and federal level to confidently make a data-driven and expert-informed request for the funding needed for the capital project.
So what planning work will EGH be using these funds for?
- First, engineering studies to assess the stability of the test-firing bed—the future heart of the Healing Garden. The firing range is a hollow concrete structure that has sat unused in the woods at DeNicola Park for half a century. It stands about 6-9 feet high depending on where in the park you are looking at it and the top is almost as wide as a two lane road. Over the years, the structure has had trees fall on it and portions are crumbling. Structural engineering tests will help us understand how strong it is, where reinforcement is needed, and allow us to plan effectively for the weight of construction materials such as planters, decking, seating, and of course large and small groups of people when they visit the healing garden.
- Next, architectural design work to create a site plan that blends natural and built features with our mission and community input. Community Feedback is core to our design process. Throughout 2024 we invested dozens of hours attending events gathering feedback. Those conversations have led to a wealth of design ideas, some of which we hear very regularly. We intend to continue gathering feedback and plan to be announcing a feedback session for the community soon. Our lead architect for this project, Marissa Meade with Svigals + Partners, has done a tremendous job translating the vision of our board and of our community into design concepts which we are thrilled to bring to life. Marissa is uniquely positioned to help guide this process and has a resume which includes many notable, sensitive projects including the New Haven Botanical Garden of Healing for gun violence.
- We know that our community is really anxious to see visuals of what our design plans look like. This part of the funding will allow us to take the work Marissa has been doing and advance it visually to help us share our vision with the community, the town of Hamden for approvals, and to large granting organizations.
- Next, archeological research is so important on this historic property. Winchester certainly left its mark on our community here in Hamden throughout its time operating in New Haven. We routinely field questions from the community about any concerns of buried remnants from the work they were doing here. With the technology and tools available to modern archeological firms we can better understand the areas surrounding the firing range where we intend to ultimately build handicap accessible ramps to gain access to the top of the structure and trails throughout the woods.
- Finally, tree and ecological health surveys are needed to protect and restore the environment already thriving here. The space we will be working in is a woodland area of the park and we intend to honor the natural beauty by retaining as much of that as possible. With that said we do have some damaged and dead trees in the woods that have been impacted by invasive vines and storms. Documenting the trees and health of the woods is so important to our design work.
Some of this work might not be visible to the public—there won’t be shovels in the ground just yet—but this stage is absolutely foundational. Without it, we couldn’t responsibly or sustainably begin construction, nor would large funders feel confident in the investment for the capital portion of this large project.
We invite individuals, businesses, and foundations to join us—to be part of transforming this historic site into a place of peace, education, and restoration.
Donations or requests to meet with me or members of our garden committee can be made 24/7 on elisgardenofhealing.com
Eli’s Garden of Healing was born from tragedy, but it is sustained by hope.
We believe that healing is possible—not only for individuals, but for entire communities.
With the planning grant funds, we will lay the groundwork for a space that says, loud and clear: Violence does not have the final word. Healing does.
Thank you to everyone who has believed in this vision from the start, and to all those who will help us bring it to life. A special thank you to our volunteer-led Board of Directors who work so hard on bringing this vision to life.
Together, we’re not just building a garden.
We’re building a legacy of peace for our community.
