Safety improvements at Beardsley Park

Bridgeport (WTNH) - The Fourth of July is all about fun and fireworks, but for some, it brings back the memory of a tragic accident at Beardsley Park in Bridgeport.

Two years ago, a mother and three children drowned when their van plunged into Bunnell's Pond. Bridgeport received a $100,000 grant to improve safety at the park, but there is still work to be done.

"It was a tragedy. Before this fence, everybody used to park as close as possible. It was gonna happen, something like that was gonna happen," said Will Illas of Bridgeport.

The fence is just one of the safety improvements in place following the 2007 accident that claimed the life of 39-year old Michelle McIntosh, her two year old, six year old nephew and two year old family friend. The four were in a minivan when it rolled into the pond, trapping them inside.

Chief Joe Gaudett, Bridgeport PD, says extra patrols have also been added.

"I can tell you absolutely we have less calls for service in the parks and at the beaches as a result of the presence of the ATV details," he said.

One of the biggest obstacles that day was the fact that the Bridgeport Fire Department did not have a dive team - and still doesn't. That's because the cash-strapped city saw a deficit of over $19 million this fiscal year. A dive team would cost the city $150,000 to implement, plus an additional $40-60,000 a year to maintain.

"We really are gonna have to wait for the economy to turn around. We have added a state-of-the-art fireboat," said Mayor Bill Finch.

Mayor Finch also says they are working on some more grating and landscaping around Bunnell's Pond.

"We are still seeking grant money to get a dive team for the fire department. I think it's right around the corner and I think in a year or two we should have the money for it," said Chief Brian Rooney, Bridgeport FD.

Extra officers will be on patrol during the holiday weekend.