The Legacy of Richard C. Bartlem: Shaping Cheshire’s Recreation Landscape
Since 1960, the town of Cheshire has undergone significant structural transformations, particularly regarding its public land and communal spaces. Central to this evolution was the career of Richard C. Bartlem, who arrived in Cheshire in 1968 to serve as the town’s first Director of Parks and Recreation.
Early Department Development (1968–1980s)
When Bartlem assumed his role in 1968, the town's recreational infrastructure was limited to a single pond, one park, and a drop-in youth center. During the initial years of the department, Bartlem functioned as the sole employee, personally managing various operational tasks:
Staffing the youth drop-in center.
Chaperoning Saturday night dances and overnight camping excursions.
Driving buses to collegiate football games.
Umpiring local softball games.
Maintaining the grounds and mowing the lawn at the youth center.
As the department expanded, it incubated several organizations that eventually transitioned into independent entities. These include the Cheshire Soccer Club, the adult softball league, and the Cheshire Community Chorus.
Major Projects and Environmental Preservation
In 1984, the town formed the Beautification Committee, which collaborated with the Parks Department. During this era, notable community figures such as Frank Papandrea (owner of Tower Farms) initiated the "planter project," installing 63 barrel planters throughout the downtown area.
By the late 1980s and early 1990s, Bartlem oversaw the development of the Farmington Canal Linear Park. This project involved:
Timeline: Planning began in approximately 1983, with final state approvals secured in 1993.
Scope: Paving a 3-mile stretch of former railbed from Cornwall Avenue to the Hamden town line.
Budget: A $586,000 investment, with the State of Connecticut providing $573,000 and the town contributing $13,000.
Historical Context: The canal originally opened in 1828, transitioning to a railroad in 1848. The line was abandoned in 1982 following flood damage in Cheshire.
Retirement and Honors (1993)
Richard Bartlem concluded his 25-year tenure on a Thursday in 1993 at the age of 65. His contributions were recognized by several town officials and colleagues:
James Nankin (Chairman of the Parks and Recreation Commission) and Benjamin Aitken (former Chairman) noted Bartlem’s hands-on approach, including his habit of performing manual labor, such as digging drainage ditches at McNamara Field on his days off.
Mayor Sandra Mouris and Chamber Executive Director Mary Rossi acknowledged his consistent service beyond his formal job description.
Event: A retirement dinner was held at the Aqua Turf Club in Southington to honor his service.
Upon his retirement, the town renamed the playing fields on South Main Street the Richard C. Bartlem Recreation Area. Following his departure, Bartlem and his wife, Eleanor, relocated to Punta Gorda Isle, Florida.
Institutional Recognition and Growth
The Cheshire Chamber of Commerce also recognized other contributors to the town's development during this period:
Russell Tokarz (Russell Tokarz Communication Co.): Named Chamber Member of the Year.
Business Enhancements: Awards were granted to Leonard Realty (609 West Johnson Ave.), Joseph A. Bishop Co. (Westgate Office Center), Louise Heflin Co. (Maplecroft Plaza), and Robert Marinaro (Cheshire IGA) for a $650,000 remodeling project.
Post-Tenure Expansion (2011)
The legacy of the department continued into the 21st century. On May 24, 2011, the Town Council, led by Town Manager Michael Milone and Public Information Officer Arnett Talbot, authorized the purchase of Richard Chapman’s 10-acre farm. This $3 million acquisition, adjacent to the southern border of Bartlem Park, was intended to expand the original 46.3-acre parcel purchased by the town in 1988. Republican Councilman Thomas Ruocco noted the significance of the acquisition regarding Route 10 land usage and open space funds.
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