Simsbury commission backs permanent event space at Simsbury Farms Golf Course

The Simsbury Culture, Parks and Recreation Commission on May 7 unanimously adopted a resolution endorsing a permanent, climate-controlled event and multi-use space at the Simsbury Farms Golf Course, integrated with the restaurant, as essential to the golf operation’s long-term financial health.

Commissioner Kelly Kearney told members the group compiled data showing that food and beverage operations — particularly event business — drive rounds played and stabilize vendor revenue, which in turn supports the golf course operating budget. Kearney said an event tent is seasonally limited and lacks restrooms, kitchen access and audiovisual infrastructure, whereas a permanent facility would enable year-round events and Town programming.

Tom Tyburski, the Culture, Parks and Recreation director, and Chairman Dave Bush both described the golf course as a revenue-generating town facility that requires updates; Bush noted concern that the course currently relies on a tent for primary events. Board of Selectmen liaison Curtis Looney cautioned that some comparables Kearney cited were private clubs and suggested examining more public-course examples.

During public comment, Mr. Wetjen urged support for expanding the restaurant and said the golf course business plan, originally requested by the Board of Finance in 2013 and amended in 2019 to include a kitchen and restaurant, anticipated a permanent event space.

The resolution, presented in the minutes, states in part: “The Simsbury Parks and Recreation Commission hereby affirms its position that a permanent event and multi-use program space at the Simsbury Farms Recreation Complex, integrated with the restaurant, is a genuine Golf Operation and community need- and that this is fundamentally a Town of Simsbury project, with the Town as the primary driver and owner of this initiative. The Commission further believes that a permanent, fully equipped event and multi-use program space is essential to the long-term financial health and competitiveness of the Simsbury Farms golf operation.”

Commissioner Lori Coppinger moved to adopt the resolution; Mr. Kearney seconded. The motion passed with all in favor. The commission framed the endorsement as direction and local policy support; the minutes indicate that funding or specific design approvals were not voted at this meeting. According to the minutes, the commission anticipates any capital borrowing for construction would be supported by golf-course revenues and municipal bonding rather than direct commission appropriation.