Forgotten playground in Occum deserves a name, village resident says

Norwich — Ever since the new Occum park was named for Robert "Red" McKeon, the city and local youths have neglected the former Occum playground where McKeon and his friends played, went ice skating and as adults watched new generations of local youths play in turn.

McKeon presented a plan to the City Council Monday to name the former playground and ball field after the Rev. Samson Occum, the colonial-era Mohegan Indian minister, founder of Dartmouth College in New Hampshire and namesake for the northern Norwich village.

McKeon said naming the park would bring attention back to the piece of land behind Austin's Garage and could help re-establish it as a village centerpiece.

City Recreation Director C. Roger Moss said Tuesday that he is considering establishing a soccer field for older youths and adults on the property. He also would recommend putting a fence around the playground to better define the field.

The City Council did not take action on McKeon's proposal.