employment opportunities here with those multinational companies can find a place to live.” This forward-thinking approach aims to balance the market, making it easier for new employees to settle in Wallingford and contribute to the community. EXPANSIVE GREEN SPACES AND RECREATION Complementing these efforts, Wallingford boasts an impressive array of green spaces and recreational facilities, enhancing the quality of life for its residents and drawing outdoor enthusiasts to the town. Mayor Cervoni emphasizes the abundance of open space in Wallingford, stating,“We have tremendous amounts of open space in this town, well over 2,000 acres.” One particularly notable parcel is a 999-acre tract of undeveloped wooded land previously owned by the New Haven Water Company.“We acquired it for a variety of reasons, one of which is that the Muddy River runs through it, which is a class A potable water stream that feeds several of our reservoirs,” Mayor Cervoni explains, showcasing the town’s proactive approach to protecting its natural resources and ensuring the sustainability of its water supply. Wallingford features 32 parks and facilities, each offering a range of recreational activities.The mayor details, “We have a downtown park with a jungle gym and a basketball court, and outlying parks with baseball, football, and soccer fields.” These facilities cater to diverse interests and provide residents with ample options for outdoor enjoyment. One trendy addition is the pickleball courts located just off North Main Street, adjacent to one of the town’s baseball fields. “We have close to eight pickleball courts,” Mayor Cervoni states, noting that the courts were installed in response to demand from the aging population transitioning from tennis.“You can drive by those courts on many weekday mornings and see every single one in use,” he observes. EMBRACING SUSTAINABILITY AND COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS Wallingford is making strides in sustainable development, ensuring that future commercial and residential projects incorporate green building practices and energy-efficient technologies. Mayor Cervoni highlights the town’s proactive approach to sustainability. “Our electric division has a program that incentivizes high-efficiency changes to your facility. For example, if you want to change from fluorescent lighting to LED fixtures, they’ll calculate the savings over several years and provide a rebate based on the energy saved.” This program encourages businesses and residents to adopt greener practices, contributing to the town’s sustainability goals. 8 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 09
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