Town of Vernon, State of Connecticut Partner to Restore Fox Hill Tower
(VERNON, Connecticut) – The bonding package recently approved by the State Bond Commission includes $2.5 million for the restoration of Vernon’s landmark Fox Hill Memorial Tower.
The tower sits at the top of Henry Park and overlooks Rockville and the Connecticut River Valley. It is an iconic symbol of Vernon and is featured in the town seal.
The tower was built in 1937 during the Great Depression as a Works Progress Administration project and intended as a memorial to Vernon’s war veterans. The WPA was an employment and infrastructure program created to get Americans back to work.
Mayor Dan Champagne sought funding to restore the tower through the State Bond Commission.
“Fox Hill Tower is a Vernon landmark and a centerpiece of so many activities, such as July in the Sky,” Mayor Champagne said. “I am thankful the Bond Commission shares my view that investing in the tower and preserving a regional landmark is worthwhile for Vernon and Connecticut.”
The Town last year hired an engineering firm to examine the tower and promenade, to recommend a restoration program and develop a budget. Its recommendations include extensive masonry restoration, concrete repair, repainting and adding handicapped access and additional lighting.