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Commission reviews ballfield expansion, middle‑school collaboration and grant progress
Summary
Members heard plans for a T‑ball field expansion and a proposal to explore a combined Preston–Griswold middle school baseball program, and were told STEAP work is behind schedule while staff pursue additional drainage funding and several grant opportunities.
Commission member Mike Brockway told the Preston Parks & Recreation Commission on Jan. 27 that he is preparing drawings to propose an expansion of the town’s T‑ball field. Brockway also raised the idea of partnering with neighboring Griswold to relaunch middle‑school baseball, saying each town has facilities or resources that could support a combined program.
Why it matters: Field‑development plans and intertown partnerships affect where youth teams play, how scheduling and maintenance are managed and how capital or grant funds are prioritized.
On grants and infrastructure, staff reported the STEAP grant effort is behind schedule. Mark Simmons said he is pursuing two additional funding sources to address drainage issues at town facilities; no specific funders were identified in the minutes. Commissioners discussed two large grant prospects: an Eastern Connecticut Foundation environmental grant of $30,000 aimed at youth, environmental and animal‑welfare projects, and a potential $30,000 request to the Beagary Charitable Foundation to support STEAP‑related work. The minutes do not record approvals or commitments for either grant request.
The commission also received an update that the Community Garden grant is advancing with quotes being collected. No timelines or award decisions were recorded for the STEAP or Active Transportation grants.
Next steps noted in the meeting: Brockway will develop the T‑ball drawings for commission review; staff will continue outreach for drainage funding and follow up on grant applications. No binding financial commitments were recorded in the minutes.
