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