Ballantine Park
Ballantine Park was named after John Holme Ballantine, Jr. He was a Southbury resident, educated at the Taft School, Williams College and Yale University. John enlisted to become a naval aviator while teaching at the Gilman School in Baltimore, Maryland.
John and his family valued their relationship with the people of Southbury as evidenced by his will. He bequeathed all his “Books and records to the people of Southbury” as well as a sum of money, in trust for the furutre purchase of books and records. His family donated the land on Pomperaug River near his home, the Obadiah Wheller house, for the park to be named in his memory, for the pleasure of future generations.
He was a recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross and a Second Gold Star, John was killed in action in the Second Battle of the Phillipines on November 19, 1944. He was twenty nine years old.
Consisting of almost 25 acres, this park has 2 softball fields, 3 tennis courts, a full basketball court, sand volleyball courts and a playground. The park is the home of the Southbury Town Pool, including a Kiddie pool and a pool house, with swimming from Memorial Day until Labor Day. A lighted picnic pavilion with kitchen facilities, picnic tables, outdoor grills and restrooms are also available at this park. The pavilion can be reserved through the Parks and Recreation Department.
Managed by the Southbury Parks and Recreation Department.
Things to do here:
Swimming
Basketball
Baseball
Picnicking
Park Address:
611 Old Field Rd
Southbury, CT.
Directions:
From I-84 West: Head west off of Exit 15. Turn right onto US-6 E (signs for Southbury/Heritage Village/CT-Antiques Trail). Turn left onto Pine Hill Rd. Continue straight after stop sign.
From I-84 East: Head northeast and take exit 15 for US-6 E/CT-67 toward Southbury. Use the left 2 lanes to turn left onto CT-67 N/US-6 E. Turn left onto Pine Hill Rd. Continue straight after stop sign.
