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Brownstone- Playtime Outside The Box

Every now and then, a small town has an important decision to make. See today's blog and perhaps, we'll see some hope for Powder ridge.

Every now and then, a small town has an important decision to make. Recently, I had the opportunity to photograph what was once a vibrant ski resort, Powder Ridge. The pictures were shocking. See them here:. 

There has been a lot of banter, lawsuits and politics involved in what will become of the beleaguered ski hill. Numerous options have come and gone. I understand that not everyone agrees on the financial benefits or losses for the town upon the selling of this property. Its actual dollar value is at the heart of the question. There may always be some contention here. But does anyone really have a perfect solution where everyone wins? The biggest problem, the economy, has put this town in a situation where over time, lower real estate values have threatened our initial investment. But do we keep letting Powder Ridge rot as we wait for better times or a better deal?

Sean Hayes, the owner and thinker of Brownstone Exploration park would like to step up to the plate. I decided to bring the kids to Brownstone to get a better sense of his vision. Based on what I saw, it’s impressive.  Some say that he may be getting a financial deal in Powder Ridge, but the deal could possibly be ours as the community could benefit on many levels. After a day of fun and many photos take a look at my blog and consider your choices.

To the blog:

Brenda Eddy July 26, 2012 at 12:23 am
My family from out of state recently thought they would enjoy an outting at The Brownstone Quarry in Portland. they were very disappointed. Life Jackets were torn, belts not working on them.All eight life jackets had flaws Few lifeguards, if they were even qualified., with so many young kids not giving good instructions. Not one lifquard was in the water giving kids directions on were to go . Many kids swimming past the slides. My brother in law came home with bruises ,. my newphew and neice bit there tongues coming down the zip-line. I am sure its a nice destination but I hope they work on their SAFETY issues.
Jennifer Schulten July 26, 2012 at 01:20 am
Hi Brenda. I agree that there are some things they could do to make people feel more at ease there. On busy days it feels like Grand Central station with kids going in every which way. Maybe they keep the lifeguards high up because the birds eye view is more effective. Up until this year, I always stayed in the water with my kids while visiting. My opinion is that it's not a park for the very young which could make it tough if your traveling with a family of kids with different ranges. You can get bumped up there. It's not really designed to be a passive entertainment type of park as your body is fully utilized in many of the activities. Maybe Mr Hayes will read this and set some solid input.
Jennifer Schulten July 26, 2012 at 01:41 am
Trip Advisor has some reviews that could be helpful. I often do my homework there before I travel anywhere. Have a look.
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g33893-d2227254-Reviews-or10-Brownstone_Exploration_Discovery_Park-Portland_Connecticut.html#REVIEWS

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Share something with your neighbors. Write a new post... What's up? Make an announcement, speak your mind, or sell something
Cindi Dale Pietrzyk June 18, 2013 at 07:40 am
Hi Jean! Where are you located?
Lisa Sattler Biesak June 18, 2013 at 09:56 pm
still available? if so, when can i take a look at it?
nana of 5 June 14, 2013 at 02:34 pm
Dr Perrin is a great doctor. I hated to see him leave the Middlesex family practice in durham. AfterRead More he left they never really got anyone to fill his shoes. All the best at St Francis
nana of 5 June 11, 2013 at 03:00 pm
thanks, Michael. but I have heard that tune before. I think they are waiting for a very bad accidentRead More to happen first,then they will put it up
Michael Hayes (Editor) June 11, 2013 at 04:27 pm
The traffic signal is a DOT project. I called today and spoke to the project manager who could notRead More give me an exact date of the start of construction and said he'd get back to me. That was a over four hours ago. The project, as indicated at several meetings, is scheduled for sometime this summer. The funding was put in last year and will carry over because the project is not yet ongoing.
nana of 5 June 11, 2013 at 10:15 pm
thank you Michael, I appreciate all your work on this. it just make me mad that has to take so longRead More for a simple traffic light that may save a life
Lisa Reed June 11, 2013 at 03:52 pm
We live on Hubbard St. in Middlefield, but there was a sighting of a very similar sounding cat inRead More the Skeet Club Road area. I'm waiting for the poster to see this photo to let me know if she thinks it's her.
Janet Denino Morganti June 11, 2013 at 08:23 pm
Lisa, I am sorry to say this doesn't look like the kitty that has been around our house. Your MaddieRead More has more white on the chest. Do you have a picture of her from the front? I think her feet have more white, too. I'm sorry. I will keep my eyes open though. If you have another picture, I can post it at the store.
Lisa Reed June 11, 2013 at 08:47 pm
Thank you. I'll get one printed.