Board approves 2025 Simsbury Farms fee schedule; new facility surcharge and small green‑fee increase included

The Board of Selectmen approved the Culture, Parks & Recreation Department’s 2025 fee schedule for Simsbury Farms programs — including golf, aquatics and day camps — during its Jan. 13 meeting.

Tom, the parks director, explained the proposed changes reflected rising personnel costs (a referenced 4.4% increase in minimum wage) and other operating pressures. For the golf course the board approved a modest increase in standard green fees ($2 per nine holes; $4 per 18 holes) and a new facility‑improvement surcharge designed to accumulate funds for clubhouse and facility upgrades. Department staff said the surcharge would be banked and dedicated to facility improvements such as clubhouse kitchen and mechanical upgrades; at current play levels the surcharge is projected to generate roughly $110,000 per year and staff said they would likely bank revenue for several years before major capital work.

Parks staff described the clubhouse building as aging and constrained for year‑round food service and banquet operations. Staff said the intent of banking a facility surcharge is to finance a future renovation that may improve kitchen layout, add year‑round meeting space and increase the facility’s attractiveness to vendors and community events. Staff emphasized any construction or funding commitment would return to the board for separate approval.

On aquatics and day camp, the department proposed and the board approved modest increases in some fees driven by wage pressures but also offered several customer‑facing concessions: the pre‑season family season pass price will be reduced by $10; season pass holders will receive priority access times, a $10 discount on swim lessons, free priority events such as inflatables and reserved upper deck use for a birthday once per summer (subject to availability). The department said financial assistance is available through Social Services to help residents who need fee support.

The board asked about impacts to usage and about the model for food service at the golf course; staff said outings are a key revenue source and that future RFPs for food service will be calibrated to attract viable vendors under evolving market conditions.

The motion to adopt the fee schedule passed by a recorded outcome of 5–1 (one selectman voted no). The board noted that the surcharge proceeds would be tracked separately in the Simsbury Farms revenue fund and remain subject to further board review when staff and the community are prepared to move to design and construction phases.