A new, accessible pathway and entrance to the Mill Pond Park from Bloomfield’s Mill Street is in the works. The pathway will connect the park through the Henry Leavens Conservation Area lands, which are owned by Quinte Conservation.

Public access has been an issue for years. While able-bodied pedestrians can walk across the undulating, grassy area owned by Quinte Conservation and bordering Mill Street, the Park’s official entrance is at the Brick Street dead end — a difficult discovery for tourists and first-time visitors.

This will soon change. Local organizers are determined to improve both access to the park and its beautiful Mill Pond. The Park’s Mill Pond rehabilitation has now been deemed a project of community interest. The designation means it is eligible for parkland grants and can accept donations and issue tax receipts.

At Council May 13, former councillor Barry Turpin and project lead Sarah Soetens spoke in support of the first phase of the project – the Mill Street Pathway – as well as other long term goals.

Ms. Soetens said Bloomfield was blessed to have a watershed flowing through the village with a beloved park adjacent to the pond.

“Over the years, the Bloomfield and Area Business Association has submitted applications for grant funding to no avail,” Ms. Soetens said. “Thankfully, with help from the Bloomfield and Hallowell Recreation Committee, we’ve been able to access the Parkland Reserves and really kick-start this project.”

“What we have accomplished so far, added to a community-interest designation, will help us achieve our first goal and allow us to move on to so much more,” Mr. Turpin added.

Gone Fishing

As recently as a decade ago, the pond was home to Northern Pike, Bass, and sunfish including Bluegill and Crappie.

But the annual children’s fishing derby hosted by the local recreation committee is on hold as the pond is devoid of fish.

Council originally earmarked $80,000 for the project from parklands funds. So far, $15,000 has gone to design and consultation on the Mill Street pathway entrance and $6,600 for water testing.

QC is conducting annual water testing for two years to monitor water quality, identify potential contaminants, and ensure the long-term health and safety of the local ecosystem.

Test results will inform future actions, including the re-introduction of fish and native plants, installing aerators, and managing beaver dams.

The remainder, about $58,000, will be used to start the pathway. A landscape contractor will be engaged to start pathway construction this year.

Future phases will include a pathway from the Quaker Cemetery with an adjoining lookout at the pond’s east end, as well as benches and educational signage.