Thames River Heritage Park grew from one boat in the water its first season in 2017 to two this past season, with a third planned for the future.

It also grew from just offering hop-on, hop-off boat rides to also offering themed tours. Two new tours offered this summer were Water, Wampum, & Medicine Wheels: Mohegan Life on the Thames, developed in partnership with the Mohegan Tribal Council of Elders, and Blowholes, Blubber, & Breaches: Whaling Tales on the Thames, led by professor, historian and veteran journalist Gail MacDonald.

Perry said the park went from offering 23 tours last year to 60 this year, despite a lot of bad weather, and increased the number of interpreters giving tours.

For the first time, the park also partnered with the New London Recreation Department to bring about 100 kids on the boat for Storytime on the Thames, thanks to a grant from water company Veolia.

Perry said the park relies significantly on a grant from the Department of Transportation and will for the immediate future. Other funding comes from other grants, ticket sales and donations, and Perry said the park increased revenues by about 12% this year by growing its history-tour business.

A focus on social services, economic development

Perry said Foley is "just what the park needs right now," and that she recommended Foley and the board selected her.

Foley — like Perry, a New London resident and age 63 — previously served as director of the Community Development Initiative of the New London Development Corp., executive director of the Boys & Girls Club of Southeastern Connecticut, and executive director of Covenant Shelter of New London.

Foley said she has done her work "with the perspective that doing right in our social services also has a great impact on our economic development, and I see this park as also being a big part of that picture."

She also runs MeetingWorks, a consulting firm that specializes in planning corporate and nonprofit conferences and meetings, but lost business when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Foley took on a part-time job with Thames River Heritage Park earlier this year as waterfront and tour coordinator.

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The Thames River Heritage Park is an NMC Community Partner.

 
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