[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":44,"_46":47,"_48":49,"_50":51,"_52":53,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":59,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":65,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6447436,"mediaKeyId","5462801-3dfa13837e86d3f0e72c60047f62a5fb","parentId",5462801,"title","Simsbury parks director outlines playground, dog-park and Curtis Park soccer plans; public hearing planned","audioSeconds",0,"startMs",1391000,"endMs","viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5462801-3dfa13837e86d3f0e72c60047f62a5fb&start=1391&end=1391","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5462801-3dfa13837e86d3f0e72c60047f62a5fb/thumbnail_1391000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6447436/Connecticut/Simsbury-parks-director-outlines-playground-dog-park-and-Curtis-Park-soccer-plans-public-hearing-planned","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6447436-352e4d055fe57d7f0baf582538cc5745/orig.mp4?Expires=1773568836&Signature=WlU0VW9yt2ytR3OCYOWdfderNxvXNglNXLpiV4W47wM-Li~j3SXYclh8A1MIcB3gvTBtLzrqmLrgult280obGHIfEN8AsGGk8f4yrHtQuDl7EBkyYYRbZLKf-P5n01rXzpV46q~PRTdljg9XDNsHJeRUUIeTfw7EqOhb7Z7PsTXDT9YShCN-CeMdS4FqDim1ZxR0UhZpSlMQmoKsU1ep8bKPH9gGF95EDIR3zqBZRdk28xG77yTxnp969jOGa5brtkVbMP3LDrzaaDaNVYRf~gi-2RiRzcZ1zCY3W6yC7pD9FKqB-PrQMT2-UZ0qsFuqQSkGI9eoMlB1fch2S24pKw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Simsbury, CT","date","2025-07-24T15:31:09.607Z","article","Simsbury Parks and Recreation Director Tom Taberski described a string of park projects under discussion, including playground replacements at Rotary Park and Weatogue/Weetog Park, volunteer management at the Simsbury dog park, dredging at Town Forest Pond and a proposal from the Simsbury Soccer Club to invest in Curtis Park in exchange for long‑term field improvements.

Taberski said Rotary Park’s playground — installed around 2006 — is aging and the town has started discussions with the Rotary Club about fundraising to replace the entire facility within roughly four years. At Weatogue Park (referred to in the interview as \"Weetog/WeTaug\"), Taberski said the plan is to relocate the playground closer to the parking lot to improve accessibility and to theme new equipment as a \"Hero's Playground\" honoring local police, fire and ambulance personnel.

On volunteer-run spaces, Taberski said the Simsbury dog park is intended to be maintained by volunteers and that Erin Brett is leading recent fundraising and volunteer efforts to fund trash service, waste bags and new amenities.

Curtis Park: Taberski said the Simsbury Soccer Club, which is celebrating its fiftieth anniversary, has proposed a phased capital project for Curtis Park that could include parking, a pavilion, a concession stand, turf improvements and permanent lighting. \"They're gonna start fundraising this year,\" Taberski said, and the club has proposed covering construction costs rather than asking the town to fund the work. Taberski said the town scheduled a public hearing in mid‑July for residents to comment on a potential agreement that could grant the club exclusive use in exchange for investments; dates mentioned in the interview varied, so the town calendar should be checked for the official notice.

Hop Brook Landing and Flower Bridge: Taberski said Hop Brook Landing Park and the nearby Flower Bridge (recently renovated with a new deck and repainting) are drawing event activity, including small concerts and a Burgers on the Bridge fundraiser set for Wednesday, Sept. 10. He said staff handle light maintenance of the bridge and larger structural repairs were part of a major recent renovation.

Why it matters: these projects affect neighborhood access, play-area safety and field availability for youth and adult sports. Taberski urged residents to attend the public hearing and other information sessions to weigh in on long‑term plans.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","After Hours with Wendy and Friends | Episode 6","oneSentenceSummary","Parks officials described multiple smaller projects — playground replacements, volunteer-run dog-park work and a proposal by Simsbury Soccer Club to invest in Curtis Park fields in exchange for exclusive use — and said the town will hold a public hearing in mid‑July.","taxTitle","Events, Connecticut","taxId",80710,"location","Connecticut","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_46":81,"_48":82,"_50":83,"_52":84,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":85,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":86,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},6447440,"Simsbury installs $2.5 million irrigation at Simsbury Farms; clubhouse and rink projects planned",1283,1093000,2376000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5462801-3dfa13837e86d3f0e72c60047f62a5fb&start=1093&end=2376","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5462801-3dfa13837e86d3f0e72c60047f62a5fb/thumbnail_1093000.jpg","/articles/6447440/Connecticut/Simsbury-installs-25-million-irrigation-at-Simsbury-Farms-clubhouse-and-rink-projects-planned","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6447440-5c88e3d849b7739157ec476ee2524d6e/orig.mp4?Expires=1773568836&Signature=LZliLgKPSW-13MXBVnM94XN4ROdE6K-faxT23hkGjGRXPDmBdfMiKdnPHi4u-FyWRdl~xgdXlj535h3jge4X8WCzR7WT9MDLTcD2vVgCfbWO8g8jicNmFvPL3PABX8iqQazPJGnAL~5hpA2WKqtceeA0b2UE8t3Q7Jzh1S7ucSGu9qY1-tV7WGfi5ZKtK4rQ-HrzMAsspkRYRhXtk~BW4Y13TV~5VFeCQaUogTfEN4V4-QG5-d4x2MUzvvuPf3wDt7S4vHIDYGSo2yWtMWn6QANoXOjPz9ZRCJfu5breTL4Q~AqjhyLJlLQtrTFLVdRZ2cGFHpcymBdDUG52FtZ5cw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Simsbury has installed a new irrigation system at Simsbury Farms Golf Course that town officials said cost about $2.5 million and is expected to serve the course for roughly 30 years.

Tom Taberski, the town’s culture, parks and recreation director, described the irrigation upgrade as the largest recent capital improvement for the course and said mechanical improvements at the rink have also been funded to keep facilities operational for a new generation of users. \"That irrigation system should last the town about 30 or so years, maybe longer,\" Taberski said.

Why it matters: the golf course is both a town recreation asset and an important local economic draw. Taberski said the course recorded about 45,000 rounds last year and attracts players from outside town. Town officials plan additional work on the clubhouse and restaurant area, but Taberski emphasized large improvements will require fundraising and careful financing.

Funding and timeline: Taberski said the town hopes to complete clubhouse and restaurant improvements in the next four to five years if fundraising and planning proceed as hoped; Friends of Simsbury Farms is expected to support fundraising. Improvements at the ice rink have focused primarily on mechanical systems and behind-the-scenes maintenance to keep the facility available.

Community programming: Simsbury Farms hosts pools, an ice rink, playground, tennis, paddle and pickleball and the town continues to stage events there. Taberski said the department will work with volunteer groups and residents on phased projects that balance upkeep of aging facilities with longer-term upgrades.","Parks officials say a new golf irrigation system will extend course sustainability for decades; the town and friends groups plan fundraising and phased improvements to clubhouse and rink facilities.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_46":93,"_48":94,"_50":95,"_52":96,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":97,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":98,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},6447446,"Simsbury feasibility study weighs splash pad, bathhouse renovation and full pool rebuild at Memorial Park",298,1695000,1993000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5462801-3dfa13837e86d3f0e72c60047f62a5fb&start=1695&end=1993","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5462801-3dfa13837e86d3f0e72c60047f62a5fb/thumbnail_1695000.jpg","/articles/6447446/Connecticut/Simsbury-feasibility-study-weighs-splash-pad-bathhouse-renovation-and-full-pool-rebuild-at-Memorial-Park","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6447446-e048dd11c57ce6bed420e87c020364a0/orig.mp4?Expires=1773568836&Signature=d2KUYcttgH0oFFfwDcLeEC~krmOeelEEolNfzeI-zfAY6vg3BS2RVZ~ImLuRUZSX5U2L0mhQpODk6IjUTcbBcIFlyL7qJOXBG2RWpuu7v5GapRpAV8pydaTLvCdU5cKO50xfV6nnj5U7piKT2zQEE4ghMR2rorDQ7YforbFMl7cuxVYFnXJxmj6gikZwmMSdAyordFKfpf8dP1zxFV2CfOD5Yh5ywIqk4vsj1B0pH4N-FCxVZvqmBbKQCK~mXYHyfJuM0E7x0F9EPcmS2~w8ikIZ1YhSFDTWER0U-zhUABYt-uhWdZCcraCNC96-2GXscQnrAcQKVHI6rntIFiMhHQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The town of Simsbury is conducting a feasibility study on Memorial Pool that will offer options including renovating the bathhouse to meet accessibility standards, installing a splash pad and, as a higher‑cost option, rebuilding the pool and supporting facilities.

Tom Taberski, the town’s culture, parks and recreation director, said the existing pool dates to 1957 and that major elements — the pool shell, decking and mechanical systems — have not had comprehensive updates. \"If you're gonna do any kind of renovation, you're basically building as new up there,\" Taberski said.

Why it matters: the pool sits at a busy park used for youth sports and public events; changes would affect swim lessons, day camp operations and evening programming that can draw hundreds of people.

Cost and operations: Taberski told the interview that a full rebuild of the pool and building could be roughly $3 million to $4 million. He also flagged ongoing staffing and utility costs as key issues, noting the facility requires multiple lifeguards per shift and that minimum wage and electric costs are rising. \"Minimum wage now is significant,\" Taberski said, adding that current operations rely on eight to 10 lifeguards per shift when the pool is open.

Public process and timing: Taberski said the feasibility work should produce design options this summer and that the department expects to hold another public information session in mid to late August at the Simsbury Library for further community feedback. He reiterated that the town must weigh community preferences — some residents strongly favor a splash pad while others want to retain swimming options — against capital and operating costs.

Next steps: the town will use the feasibility study and resident feedback to prioritize capital spending in future budget cycles. Taberski asked residents to monitor the master plan process and upcoming public sessions so officials can factor public input into final recommendations.","Parks officials say a feasibility study will present options for Memorial Pool ranging from bathhouse upgrades and a splash pad to a full rebuild estimated at $3–$4 million; staffing and operating costs are major considerations.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_46":105,"_48":106,"_50":107,"_52":108,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":109,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":110,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},6447451,"Simsbury opens six new pickleball courts at Tariffville Park, names Court 1 for local advocates",1119,967000,2086000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5462801-3dfa13837e86d3f0e72c60047f62a5fb&start=967&end=2086","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5462801-3dfa13837e86d3f0e72c60047f62a5fb/thumbnail_967000.jpg","/articles/6447451/Connecticut/Simsbury-opens-six-new-pickleball-courts-at-Tariffville-Park-names-Court-1-for-local-advocates","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6447451-9fbe899fcc13307cbc91ed636fdd775d/orig.mp4?Expires=1773568836&Signature=Ibu7r2kQkq8~zZ4bGse~4h-sNx3uwhcJQHuGTxson5GrsUpelOcFIhXL5zb381EdKhN9VX9EPFgI84ecCkjPbSWQ4A~Kebvka45Wrjpqhmr~ty-03QQkBDQF9lHeoTn602R-Hah~7jRk3tfikRmDTz5UB1~PDNXG0JHwsS4yPm2qRmvBwBfaeTGi1TSxPYGTfDU0Qau49~XPeDfdDPRuFt5Et15Ysa0f8ufxkA7YuGjIMuPyYVJ5bQa66SMdNp7UsqlPuy8JWCMuXtaeh7lVhvI8tvz1HGYfTq0h-If-SDdbHLq3bK2n8Sw4q84GsX3gV52gvzlO37Fc~0vm5ZWHlA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Tom Taberski, the town’s culture, parks and recreation director, said Simsbury opened six new pickleball courts at Tariffville Park about two to three weeks ago and held a ribbon-cutting planned for 10 a.m. in mid‑July.

The courts, located near the softball field along the Farmington River, include a picnic pavilion and will be named in part to honor local volunteers. \"Phil and Charlotte Kushan are the people who brought pickleball to Simsbury and kind of started organizing the groups in town,\" Taberski said, noting a sign marking Court 1 as Kushan Court.

Why it matters: pickleball has grown rapidly in the region and the town says the new courts respond to resident demand while drawing players — and customers — through the center of town.

Taberski said the new courts are already busy. \"They are used constantly,\" he said, adding that in busy morning hours multiple groups often wait for courts. The town posts rules on the court walls and allows online reservations up to two weeks in advance at simsburyrec.com; the posted fee is $6 per hour.

The project faced limits because parts of Tariffville Park are inside the river floodway. Taberski said that restriction prevented building the original long‑lasting concrete layout originally envisioned when American Rescue Plan funds were first set aside for pickleball. Town officials expect to seek floodplain mapping approvals before advancing additional work, including replacing the pavilion, adding a small playground and expanding parking.

Funding and next steps: Taberski said the board had already approved funding for some park improvements and that further work will proceed as mapping and approvals are completed. A public ribbon‑cutting ceremony in mid‑July will recognize volunteers and supporters who helped bring the courts online.

Community note: the director encouraged residents to check the parks website for reservation details and the town calendar for the ribbon-cutting time and any weather-related updates.","The town has opened six pickleball courts at Tariffville Park that town officials say are being heavily used; additional park improvements remain contingent on floodplain mapping and funding.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Simsbury parks director outlines playground, dog-park and Curtis Park soccer plans; public hearing planned

Simsbury installs $2.5 million irrigation at Simsbury Farms; clubhouse and rink projects planned

Simsbury feasibility study weighs splash pad, bathhouse renovation and full pool rebuild at Memorial Park

Simsbury opens six new pickleball courts at Tariffville Park, names Court 1 for local advocates