Fears that Wilkinson will return to the Grove

SALISBURY — A group of concerned  citizens, including Lloyd Wallingford, his brother Robert Wallingford and Jeff Lloyd told the Salisbury Board of Selectmen they were concerned that former town recreation director Art Wilkinson would come to the town Grove during the summer.

The concerns were raised at the end of an otherwise routine selectmen’s meeting on Monday, June 3.

On Wednesday, April 10, 2019, the selectmen released a report from attorneys Thomas J. Murphy and James J. Healy of Cowdery and Murphy LLC. 

Cowdery and Murphy were hired by Salisbury town attorney Thomas Marrion in late September 2018. That action followed the Sept. 10, 2018, meeting of the board at which several people asked for an investigation of Wilkinson, who was recreation director from 1966 to 2005 and who had been accused by Wallingford and others of sexual misconduct with children at the Grove.

The report concluded that “the people making allegations of abuse are credible, and that Arthur Wilkinson’s denials are not credible.”

At the June 3 meeting, Lloyd Wallingford thanked the selectmen for commissioning the report.

He added:  “I am concerned that Art Wilkinson will have free rein at the Grove.” Wallingford mentioned the possibility of Wilkinson offering private sailing lessons. Wilkinson recently sold his house in Salisbury. 

Jeff Lloyd asked if there is a legal way to prevent Wilkinson from coming to the Grove and Lake Wononscopomuc.

Robert Wallingford, whose August 2018 interview with Marshall Miles of Robin Hood Radio first brought the matter to light, asked if Wilkinson could be teaching children at the lake.

First Selectman Curtis Rand said he has turned down private instructors at the lake, and reiterated that Wilkinson has no official connection with the town or the recreation department.

As to whether Wilkinson can be prevented from coming to the Grove, Rand said he didn’t know but would find out.

The selectmen also reappointed town treasurer Joe Cleaveland for a four-year term.