Stonington — The master plan for the $2.2 million Mystic River Boathouse Park and the conceptual design for its Hart Perry Boathouse will be presented to the public on Thursday, Oct. 11 at 5 p.m. at the Latitude 41 Restaurant on Route 27.

The town’s boathouse park committee and a private group developing the actual boathouse will present the plans. There will also be an opportunity for the public to ask questions and comment on the design.

The announcement for the forum states that the design that has developed for the park over the past year "takes into account the site’s industrial history as well as it’s natural ability to restore itself through natural succession. The idea of Living Shorelines as a means of responsible erosion control management on the coast of the Mystic River has been an anchor in the design development of the park” which was done by Mystic landscape firm of Kent + Frost.

The Hart Perry Boathouse will be home to the Stonington High School crew team and the Stonington Community Rowing Center. A private group of rowing supporters is raising money to construct a $2.5 million boathouse.

Two years ago Stonington residents approved $2.2 million in bonding to create the park which First Selectman Rob Simmons has said he expects to be able to open the park next year. The site is located just north of the Mystic Seaport Museum.   

Before that occurs, the town will need to gain approval for the park and its parking plan from the Planning and Zoning Commission.