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