We received the following press release from Dan Eddy, member of the Recreation Commission, who is coordinating the Brodie Park South Study Group. The press release announces a meeting this coming Wednesday, January 12 at which the public is encouraged to attend and at which the public will have an opportunity at the beginning of the meeting to give their input; at previous meetings the public has not had the opportunity to give their input. Following is the press release:

The Brodie South Study Group is having a meeting on Wednesday, January 12 at 7:00 p.m. in the small conference room on the first floor [of the Town Hall]. As always the public is encouraged to attend. We will have a short period at the beginning of the meeting for public input.

The Recreation Commission has determined there is an urgent need to locate approximately 5 acres of land for an additional playing field. The size of the playing field should be 140 yards by 80 yards (approx. 2 1/2 acres) this will allow for spectators and a regulation size team sport field. This area must also be large enough to accommodate parking for team sports. As a comparison, I believe Brown’s Corner is about 18 acres.

Although there are no funds currently allocated to construct such a field, a location must be found prior to any other constructive pursuit of this goal.

The Recreation Commission has been searching for the last three years for such a location, identifying 5 or six spots and having studies done on same. Estimated construction cost of this project run from $200,000 to $300,000. This does not include the cost of land. The construction costs seem to preclude the possibility of leasing land. The Recreation Commission has looked at land at all three schools, Brodie North, and a couple of private sites of approximately 5 acres of open flat land. All have had significant enough development issues to eliminate them as possibilities. Brodie South is 150 acres of town owned land, some of which is being considered as a site to accommodate a new recreation field.

The commission is still looking for other town owned land, or private land the owner would be interested in donating or parting with for a nominal amount. If you have any interest in pursuing such a donation there may be federal income tax advantages, the rec commission would welcome the opportunity to talk to you.

We are a small town with a very active youth sports community. Price must be a very real part of any and all suggestions.

To read our reports about the Brodie Park South Study Group since its inception see our Brodie Park South category (below our masthead).

Football goal posts set up on the large field area of Brodie Park South bordering Niles Road; image from November 2010, NewHartfordPlus archives.