Bricks by the Lake Celebrates 20 Years
5/1/2026
2026 marks the 20th anniversary of “Bricks by the Lake!” Learn more about the history of this program below.
The Original Idea
In 2004, FOLQ sparked an initiative to redesign Col. Connelly Park – essentially a continuation of earlier efforts to open up the whole head of the lake to public view upon entering the town from the north. Because fiscal restraint was predominant in town politics at the time, FOLQ committed to raising the funds without any impact on the town budget. A combination of public and private grants, donations from FOLQ and other community sources went a long way toward the financial goal.
But it was the new engraved-brick program that was the financial clincher. All the elements of town government got on board with the park project. A formal “town committee” was appointed to work through the design and financial elements. FOLQ was designated as the long-term “administrator” of the engraved brick project, in co-ordination with town officials. Proceeds would be maximized by using FOLQ volunteer skills and labor as well as its tax-exempt 501-C-3 status.
Designing the Flagpole and Brick Area
In the design work, the Col Connelly Park Committee considered several values: enlarging the panorama potential of the lake with maximum simplicity; maintaining a playground, area for young children; continuing to honor the park’s namesake (Col Edward Connelly) with its flagpole; and inserting an area for engraved brick donations consistent with those elements. This resulted in the current octagonal brick plaza around the flagpole.
Evolution from Fundraiser to Collective Memory
While initially eyed as a revenue generator, “Bricks by the Lake” has evolved over the years into something much more than a practical tool. It has become an amazing loom, weaving a community fabric with memorable strands of life’s joys, sorrows, and even humor and puzzles. On your next walk around the lake, explore the first 20 years of little messages woven into this ever-growing “community table cloth“ located at Col. Connelly Park.
Applications for Bricks by the Lake donations can be found on our website. 100% of proceeds from brick donations are reserved for lakeside park betterments.
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