NSSG Discusses Field Options – 10/23/2009

Posted by Bob on October 23, 2009 under Daily Blogs | Be the First to Comment

The Naugatuck Sports and Support Group (”NSSG”) discussed detailed proposals for new natural grass fields at our October meeting held this past Wednesday evening (10/21/2009).  The Borough’s Engineering department was asked to present a review of all possible publicly and privately owned sites which may be suitable for recreational fields at the September NSSG meeting.

Those sites were narrowed to five (5), and a detailed cost estimate and rough field overlay maps were prepared and reviewed by NSSG members.  The sites discussed were Fawn Meadow, Apple Hill Estates, Country Hollow, Cross Street Intermediate School and City Hill Middle School.  Rough financial costs for field construction can be viewed here.  Special thanks to Borough Director of Public Works Jim Stewart, Engineer Wayne Zirolli, and the entire Engineering Department for their time and professional assistance with this ongoing effort.

A discussion of each field follows below.  Please click-on the link of each field to view the aerial maps with field overlays.

Fawn Meadow -   This field presents the quickest and most cost effective option to add active recreational space.  While the field may not be large enough and the neighborhood impact too great to host actual games, opportunity exists for a great practice field for football and/or soccer.  Fencing and tree planting would be required to shield neighbors from activity.  Fawn Meadow has easy access to water and electricity, but lights are not likely an option.  Parking should be sufficient on-site for practices.

Apple Hill Estates -   While two (2) potential fields will be deeded to the Borough per subdivision regulations, development of one (1) of said fields is likely a better short-term option.  Progress on the subdivision has not advanced enough to require transfer from the developer to the Borough, but the upper field is not far from being ready for construction.  Lights could be an option, but at significant expense.  While one (1) field at Apple Hill Estates could potentially be a site for soccer and/or football games, it certainly would make for an excellent practice field.  Development of a second (2nd) field is a possibility, but at a higher cost.  Parking should be sufficient for a practice facility, but a second (2nd) means of ingress and/or egress would be preferred.

Country Hollow -   This a very small site located in a residential area.  Its highest use would probably be a small practice field for soccer at the five (5)/six (6) or seven (7) / eight (8) age groups at best.  Fencing would be required to shield neighbors from activity.  Lights are definitely not an option, and parking would be limited to use for small practices.

City Hill -   The Engineering Department analyzed whether or not the existing full size field could be turned to allow for two (2) full size fields.  It was determined that this could not be accomplished.  Lighting at City Hill is a viable but expensive option.  Any such installation of lighting would need to be discussed with neighbors and designed in location and use to minimize disruption.

Cross Street -   This complex presented the most intriguing opportunity for development of a significant natural grass, multi-use complex with lights.  Cross Street is currently used for seven (7) / eight (8) and nine (9) / ten (10) soccer practices.  Those of us who have coached there over the years can attest that the field is not in great shape.  The fields converge along a slope that contains two (2) large storage sheds and a utility pole.  At the south end is an approximately fifteen (15) year old play scape and the remnants of the old Cross Street Pool.  While the pool has been filled, the pool house is a permanent structure that remains.  Removing the slope and the storage shed and relocating the utility pole would allow for a full-size football and/or soccer field along the area bordering the Crosspoint Shopping Plaza and the hill abutting the old Hershey property.  Basketball and tennis courts could be installed and the play scape could be pushed slightly back from its current location.  The old pool house has the possibility to be a concession stand.  Lighting the field would have minimal impact as any installation would be farthest from the Meadowbrook neighborhood, and be relatively enclosed by the school, the plaza and the hill.  Parking is present at the site, but could be increased using existing space.  Access to water, sewer and electricity already exist.  While the creation of the complex would be expensive, it represents the most cost effective investment if funding was available given the sites inherent strengths.  Discussions with the Board of Education would be necessary to determine if any plans for expansion of the school itself would conflict with a sports complex.

Overall, the discussions were lively and optimistic.  While there is recognition by most NSSG members in attendance that current resources are limited, consensus exists that the time to plan is now.  The Borough Engineering Department will begin to analyse the specific costs for phasing-in field construction from basic to more elective choices.  Results will be presented at the next meeting.

For more information about the NSSG, please view our new website at www.naugatucksportsandsupportgroup.com.