The grand opening of the new handicapped-accessible gazebo on the Wilton Riverwalk took place on Saturday October 14th at 11:00 a.m.

The 16-foot octagon gazebo sits on the bank of Stony Brook next to the original Riverwalk path, and has a wheel-chair accessible ramp and several interior benches. The copper-roofed cupola design reflects the historic Town Hall and is topped with a Great Blue Heron in flight - the Wilton Riverwalk project mascot.

Funding for the gazebo was made possible through a generous AARP Community Challenge Grant, with additional contributions by the family of Doctor Raymond Galloway, long-time Wilton physician, and the Wilton Alliance.  It was constructed through the hard work of community volunteers. In addition to offering a new gathering space in downtown, the gazebo serves as an observation platform for the new Wilton Senior Citizen Science Program.

The festivities were kicked off by Select Board Chairman Matt Fish, who talked about the significance of the gazebo for our downtown, and thanked AARP, the Galloway family, the Wilton Alliance, and all the volunteers who made it happen. 

The full text of his speech 

He was then followed by Jennifer Beck, Chair of the Economic Development Committee, who discussed the Wilton Senior Citizens Science Program, and announced a upcoming contest to name the Great Blue Heron – watch for details on the website and Facebook. 

The full text of her speech 

Economic Development Team member Jackie Kahle then formally cut the ribbon, and an enthusiastic crown toured the gazebo and enjoyed refreshments provided by the Economic Development Team.

Photos from the gazebo construction

Photos from the grand opening

Since the grand opening, many people can be found sitting in the gazebo, enjoying the wonderful views. Come join them!

The dedication of the Riverwalk Gazebo to long-time Wilton physician “Doc” Galloway took place on the Opening Day of the Old Homes Days celebration on August 10, 2024 at 4:00 p.m.  Many Wilton residents (and former patients of the Doc) as well as family and friends attended the event.

The Rev Dr. Gary Klingsporn from the Second Congregational Church in Wilton gave the opening invocation.  Town officials Jennifer Beck (Economic Development Team) and Kermit Williams (Select Board member) spoke of the importance of Doc Galloway to the town, and thanked the family for their generous contribution towards the building of the gazebo, which was largely funded through a grant from the AARP and erected through volunteer efforts.

Harvey Galloway, the son of the Doc gave a wonderful talk about Doc Galloway’s life, his own memories of his father’s practice in Wilton, what life was like for a small-town physician after the war and into the ‘60’s. Truly, we will never experience again a committed, local doctor who treated everyone and made house calls!

Jennifer then invited members of the audience to contribute their memories and anecdotes about the good doctor.  One speaker was Dick Putnam, who read an article he had written about Doc Galloway, which can be found here: Article on Doc Galloway

Then a bronze plaque was unveiled, anchored to an impressive boulder sitting to the side of the gazebo.

The entire town of Wilton is grateful to Doc Galloway for so many years of service as our local “Doc”, and thanks the Galloway family for their generous support in helping build this new downtown gathering space.

Slideshow of pictures from the event

The grand opening of the new handicapped-accessible gazebo on the Wilton Riverwalk took place on Saturday October 14th at 11:00 a.m.

The 16-foot octagon gazebo sits on the bank of Stony Brook next to the original Riverwalk path, and has a wheel-chair accessible ramp and several interior benches. The copper-roofed cupola design reflects the historic Town Hall and is topped with a Great Blue Heron in flight - the Wilton Riverwalk project mascot.

Funding for the gazebo was made possible through a generous AARP Community Challenge Grant, with additional contributions by the family of Doctor Raymond Galloway, long-time Wilton physician, and the Wilton Alliance.  It was constructed through the hard work of community volunteers. In addition to offering a new gathering space in downtown, the gazebo serves as an observation platform for the new Wilton Senior Citizen Science Program.

Full details of the festivities, speeches and photo galleries