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The Athletic Fields Task Force (AFTF) was formed to develop a comprehensive plan to address the shortage of athletic fields at Fitch High School and community use fields in parks. The Task Force has representatives from Groton Parks and Recreation, Groton Public Schools, elected officials, and representatives from stakeholder organizations that depend on fields.
The AFTF is tasked with determining the number and types of fields Groton needs, what amenities those fields should have, and where they should be located.
Chairman: Frank Norosky (Community Member) Members: Danny Lee (FHS Boosters), Bruce Wagner (Little League), Jim Southers (Groton Soccer Club, Groton Little League)
Ex-officio: Portia Bordelon (Town Council), Rachael Franco (Mayor), Mark Berry (Director of Parks and Recreation), Tara Hannaford (Shoreline Social and Sports), Rich Kosta (FHS Coach), Marc Romano (FHS Athletic Director), Ian Thomas (Board of Education).
The Athletic Fields Task Force (AFTF) was formed to develop a comprehensive plan to address the shortage of athletic fields at Fitch High School and community use fields in parks. The Task Force has representatives from Groton Parks and Recreation, Groton Public Schools, elected officials, and representatives from stakeholder organizations that depend on fields.
The AFTF is tasked with determining the number and types of fields Groton needs, what amenities those fields should have, and where they should be located.
Chairman: Frank Norosky (Community Member) Members: Danny Lee (FHS Boosters), Bruce Wagner (Little League), Jim Southers (Groton Soccer Club, Groton Little League)
Ex-officio: Portia Bordelon (Town Council), Rachael Franco (Mayor), Mark Berry (Director of Parks and Recreation), Tara Hannaford (Shoreline Social and Sports), Rich Kosta (FHS Coach), Marc Romano (FHS Athletic Director), Ian Thomas (Board of Education).
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On September 27th, 2024 we hosted a Conceptual Design Presentation to present the first iterations of the Athletic Field improvements at Fitch High School, Claude Chester, and Sutton Park. Please view the results here, AND if you haven't already, we encourage you to complete the survey as we would like as much community input as possible.
Share Which Field Surface(s) Do You Prefer? on FacebookShare Which Field Surface(s) Do You Prefer? on TwitterShare Which Field Surface(s) Do You Prefer? on LinkedinEmail Which Field Surface(s) Do You Prefer? link
Athletic Fields Task Force has finished this stage
Parks and Recreation met with Fitch High School and analyzed the reservation requests and schedules for community fields to accurately quantify the demand for fields for various sports, leagues, and age groups.
Update Fields Needs Assessment to 2020
Athletic Fields Task Force has finished this stage
After determining the participation numbers and demand for various field types, the Fields Needs Assessment was updated to summarize the conditions of fields and the demand for different types of fields or playing surfaces that meet the long-term needs for Fitch High School and community use.
Interview All User Groups
Athletic Fields Task Force has finished this stage
Partners from Fitch High School and community sports leagues were interviewed to gain their insight on strengths, weaknesses, challenges, and opportunities with current and proposed fields and playing surfaces.
Contract with Consultants
Athletic Fields Task Force has finished this stage
Hired consulting team of Kent & Frost and Kaestle Boos to work with the AFTF to develop conceptual plans for proposed new and renovated fields, to conduct an assessment of natural vs synthetic field surface type, and develop cost estimates for each of the proposed sites.
Identify Commonalities Between Assessment & User Groups
Athletic Fields Task Force has finished this stage
The findings from the Fields Needs Assessment and the Interviews of User Groups were cross analyzed to identify commonalities and themes that verify what is needed and most desired by the groups who utilize fields the most.
Determine Field Recommendations
Athletic Fields Task Force has finished this stage
With information gathered from the Assessment and User Groups, Field Recommendations were identified and organized to establish recommendations for improving existing fields and creating new fields to meet the needs and demands of Fitch High School and community organizations.
Presentation to User Groups
Athletic Fields Task Force has finished this stage
The Field Recommendations were presented to user groups and stakeholders to keep them informed and obtain feedback.
Public Presentation and Feedback - September 26th
Athletic Fields Task Force has finished this stage
September 26th at Thrive55+ Active Living Center (102 Newtown Rd. Groton, CT)
Information, recommendations, and planned proposals were shared and presented to the public to gather additional feedback from the larger Groton community.
Present Findings to Town Council
Athletic Fields Task Force is currently at this stage
The Athletic Fields Task Force will present all collected information and final recommendations to the Town Council after analyzing feedback from user groups and members of the public.
