Once overgrown with invasive plant species along its waterfront, Connecticut College embarked on a revitalization project to open up scenic views of the Thames River. A turning point in that effort came in 2020 when the college grounds crew took advantage of the pandemic-related transition to remote learning to clear the hillside, reclaiming the waterfront property.

With visibility of the waterfront restored, the college looked to implement improvements for its sailing, rowing, rugby, recreation and track and field facilities along the river. A main component of the improvement project was construction of a sailing and rowing dock with a bulkhead, railing and surface complying with ADA accessibility standards.

Photo courtesy of CHA Consulting Inc.

CHA Consulting conceived a design that would meet needs for campus athletics while opening up access to the waterfront for the entire college community.

“It was hidden from the public and from the student body,” says Johnathan Hickok, lead designer on the project for CHA Consulting. “It almost felt weird to go down there because it was so overgrown and just not a fun place to be. Some teams used it, but we really wanted to make this an inviting place for everyone, not just for athletics.”

With new opportunities available, the college eyed a deadline for the revitalized waterfront of June 8, 2023, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of its rowing team. To meet that schedule, the project was divided into three design packages. In addition to the package for the waterfront work, a second package was aimed at redesigning the access road to the waterfront. A third package addressed creating a new crossing of a rail line that parallels the waterfront, improving access to it.

Photo courtesy of CHA Consulting Inc.

Babbidge Construction Co. served as construction manager of the project, which broke ground in January 2021. Custom Float Services constructed the docks, while contractors such as Cherry Hill Construction, WJ Riegel Rail Solutions, Machnik Bros. and Clark Construction were involved in various aspects of the road, waterfront, railroad and athletic field areas.

Alex Babbidge, president of Babbidge Construction, says reconstruction of the road was particularly important early in the project to help improve access for crews working on the waterfront.

Photo courtesy of CHA Consulting Inc.

“Logistics were tough because the access road was really the primary way to get down there,” he says.

Adding to the challenge, there is a 100-ft elevation change from the railroad track down to the waterfront, with grades of up to 14%. The existing road had several switchbacks. Under the new design for the 1,500-ft-long road, crews were able to shorten its switchbacks and pave it with concrete curves. They also widened the road to 20 ft, added sidewalks and installed a closed drainage system to prevent erosion.

With no utilities on the waterfront, lampposts along the road are powered by wind and solar, reducing the school’s energy costs and environmental impact. Solar power from the boathouse was also harnessed for pumps that draw water from a roof water cistern for cleaning boats on the dock and shoreline.

Photo courtesy of CHA Consulting Inc.

Hickok notes that the permitting process was particularly complex because the project aimed to reclaim 20 ft of eroded waterfront, requiring modifications such as raising the grade by 6 ft and constructing a retaining wall very close to the tidal waterline.

With assistance from a Connecticut College alumnus, the design was coordinated with the Connecticut Dept. of Environmental Protection, enabling successful navigation of permitting complexities. Accurate tracking of design changes was crucial as the agency provided comments that required adjustments, contributing to a longer permitting process. One unusual condition was preserving a strand of invasive phragmites by constructing a protective wall around it. Frequent collaborative meetings helped track these changes and keep the project on schedule.

The waterfront area was located across a railroad track, requiring expansion of the crossing to accommodate a large crane that was used during the winter and spring for dock removal and reinstallation. Obtaining approval from the federal agency overseeing the area required close coordination and regular meetings. The expanded railroad crossing also features new chain link gates to enhance security and safety at the railroad crossing.

Photo courtesy of CHA Consulting Inc.

The upgraded facility includes a secure rowing shell storage area, a new shot put throwing site, an improved discus and hammer throwing area and a renovated rugby pitch. The waterfront was envisioned as a spectator venue with unobstructed views, but it had to be accessible and safe. The design team achieved ADA-compliant grades enabling crews to create accessible pathways to the waterfront—with integrated ramps, railings and specialized surfaces to enhance accessibility and aesthetic appeal.

Metal railings were installed on a retaining wall, and wooden railings were added to the docks and floats for safety. The design accounted for tidal changes, allowing compliance at all times. Handicap parking was strategically placed at the base of the hill, providing access from parking areas by crossing the railroad. These considerations resulted in a secure, inclusive environment that adheres to ADA guidelines.

The sailing and rowing facilities feature three new piers and docks. The north pier caters to the sailing team, providing space for its fleet of 36 boats. The middle dock and pier function as a research and community recreation and boat docking area. The southern dock supports the college rowing team. Two storage sheds at the bottom of the hill accommodate storage needs of recreational clubs, athletes and the sailing team.

Photo courtesy of CHA Consulting Inc.

Along the shore, native riparian habitat plantings were chosen to integrate the dock with the natural waterfront. CHA collaborated with the state environmental agency and the college environmental resources staff to develop a native plant palette for in-water tidal mitigation planting.

“We wanted to make sure that the selected plants will live in a saltwater environment, a windy environment and an environment that may get overtaken by a hurricane,” Hickok says.

Completed within an eight-month timeframe, the upgraded waterfront facility project provides an enhanced experience for student-athletes—particularly for those involved in sailing and rowing.

Furthermore, the waterfront facilities are available year-round to the entire college community, serving as a venue for large collegiate events, educational opportunities, camps, clinics and recreational activities.