Fairfield Group Commits To Raising $1.7M For More Turf In Town

FAIRFIELD, CT — There’s nothing wrong with grass fields, but advocates with the newly reformed Fairfield Athletic Foundation believe turf will not only save the town money in the long run, but provide a lot more opportunities for regular use.

“If we had an unlimited town budget and resided in a different climate, we would fully support more grass fields,” said Brendan Sullivan, co-president of the foundation.

Due to constant use, however, maintenance is a big challenge, he said, and because there is such a demand for field time, the grass doesn’t get an adequate chance to recover. Further, when rain comes into play — as well as drying time afterward — things are pushed even farther back as far as use is concerned.

“Our town has about 14,000 athletes each year in programs from age 4 to 18,” Sullivan said. “So this really affects a wide swath of the town.”

Thus, the foundation, which was originally started in 2016 but went dormant for a period, is seeking an official nonprofit status again to begin a massive fundraising effort to get projects moving.

Dylan O’Connor, co-president and a member of the Parks and Recreation Commission, said the first phase involves getting Roger Ludlowe Middle School, the Sullivan Fields, and Tunxis Hill Park turfed.

“We are still in the process of finalizing our fundraising plan and how the partnership with the town will work, (but) the FAF has committed to helping bring about $1.7 million to the table,” O’Connor said.

Further, he said, the group wants to work with the town to help plan field infrastructure for the next 10-15 years, as well as work with the Board of Education to try and bring a turf complex to Fairfield Warde High School.

School officials said they haven’t yet been approached on the matter, but noted the decision to add the Warde initiative to the budget would rest with the Board of Education.

Another aspect of the group’s concern lies with the fact that facilities in many neighboring municipalities already have turf, which they argue puts Fairfield students at a disadvantage in terms of practice time and experience on turf itself, which is becoming standard throughout the FCIAC.

They also said improved facilities could invite various kinds of tournament play, which could bring commerce to town.

"They've been working really closely with me and my office," said Anthony Calabrese, Parks and Recreation Department director, who is trying to serve as a liaison with the town.

While he appreciates the mission of the group, he said the range of budgetary costs, as well as capital projects that are, or have been, on the table must be considered.

"It would be great to have them all done one year after another," he said of the fields, but it's a formidable task.

He called the group very well-intentioned and said they were moving in the right direction.

"I'm glad to see a renewed interest in Parks and Recreation," Calabrese said.

Meanwhile, the group hopes to embark on a fundraising initiative before the end of the summer, sure that many people will get on board.

“It is clear that there are a lot of folks in town who want the field situation to be improved,” O’Connor said.

For more information, visit fairfieldaf.org.