In 2021, the Town adopted an aspirational Concept Plan for the Riverfront, developed by WXY.

The planning process included stakeholder interviews, community visioning and public engagement exercises, consultation with relevant Town departments, and public design charrettes to develop appropriate options and recommendations.

The plan was contingent on relocating the softball fields to another location. It included a pedestrian bridge over the Housatonic to connect the east and west banks and the Young’s Field and Native Meadows areas. It also contemplated multi-use development within Patriot’s Way. 

In 2024, the Riverfront Committee further developed the plan.

The updated plan accounts for FEMA mapping and site topography, additional parking, sustainability and flood control mitigation, and contemplates the undergrounding of electrical and utility lines, as well as a possible realignment of Young’ Field Road.

Buildings originally proposed for Patriot’s Way have been removed as has the bridge over the River.

Young’s Field Park remains a green recreational area containing a playground and skateboard area and ball courts. Other suggested improvements are a splash pad, sledding and synthetic ice-skating areas, as well as an amphitheater and festival amenities, a concession stand and restroom areas. An expansion of the River Trail northward to Helen Marks Park is also recommended.

The recreational and infrastructure improvements are drawn to scale, but their locations and configurations are strictly conceptual and will, in all probability, change as the plan evolves from concept to design development.