#MiddleburyCT #CTRushCentral #Soccer #ArtificalTurf
By MARJORIE NEEDHAM
Image by OpenClipart-Vectors from Pixabay
Learn about CT Rush Central’s proposal to install an artificial turf soccer field at Meadowview Park during an information session Monday, April 28, at 7 p.m. in the auditorium at Shepardson Community Center at 1172 Whittemore Road in Middlebury. Question 5 on the ballot for the May 7 referendum asks voters to approve the town considering entering a lease/licensing agreement with CT Rush Central for the field.
The ballot question was first presented publicly at the April 8 annual budget hearing. It was on a Power Point slide that followed the presentation of the town budget and capital expenditures information. At that time, the question was, “Shall the Town of Middlebury enter into a lease/license agreement with CT Rush Central for the installation of professional grade synthetic turf/appurtenances at Meadowview Park? No capital costs will be incurred by the Town of Middlebury.”
That question has now been replaced by the following: “Shall the Town of Middlebury consider entering into a Lease/License agreement with CT Rush Central for the installation of professional grade synthetic turf/appurtenances at Meadowview Park?”
During an April 10 presentation to the Middlebury Parks and Rec Commission, First Selectman Edward B. St. John handed out a brochure and a FAQs sheet prepared by CT Rush Central. The brochure included a diagram showing a synthetic turf field with the short end perpendicular to the Lake Elise cemetery end of the park The field itself would be fenced and have LED lighting on 40-foot high poles for nighttime use. The infield from the adjoining softball field would be removed to provide a larger grass area. The estimated project cost is $1.85 million. It appears CT Rush Central would finance the purchase and is seeking to enter into a 25-year contract with the town, but further details have not yet been provided.
Per the FAQs sheet, residents would pay the market rate to use the field, but if they don’t like paying to rent it, they can have free access on non-booked hours. The pavilion would remain “its own area.” The sheet says parking and traffic will not differ from current parking and traffic. It also says CT Rush Central doesn’t anticipate much change to restroom usage.
Learn more about the project Monday night.
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