Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Capital Projects topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Windsor Locks board eyes grants, reserves for WLHS track and football field project
Summary
The Windsor Locks Board of Education heard an update on planning for a WLHS track and football field and on multiple funding options, including a Community Investment Fund application (submitted Aug. 14), state STEAP grants, an Outdoor Legacy Partnership, a T‑Mobile sweepstakes and roughly $200,000 in district non‑lapsing funds.
The Windsor Locks Board of Education on Aug. 21 received an update from Superintendent Shawn L. Parkhurst on early-stage planning and funding options for a proposed track and football field at Windsor Locks High School.
Parkhurst told the board that two community forums on the project drew about 15–20 people each; the recordings were shared with the Community Investment Fund grant review board. He said the district applied to the Community Investment Fund (part of the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving) on Aug. 14 and is “awaiting to hear in late September/beginning of October.” Parkhurst also outlined other possible funding pathways: the state STEAP grant, which is scheduled to open in January 2026; an Outdoor Legacy Partnership (application timing not specified); and a national sweepstakes run by T‑Mobile that offers field‑building awards.
Parkhurst noted the district also has approximately $200,000 in a non‑lapsing account that could seed the project. The board discussed how external grants, local fundraising and existing reserves might be combined to advance design and construction, and Parkhurst cautioned the board that timelines will depend on grant award schedules and additional approvals.
The update placed emphasis on preliminary community outreach and fund‑raising strategy rather than firm commitments. The board did not take a vote on construction or funding beyond authorizing the ongoing planning and grant‑application work. The district expects the Community Investment Fund decision in late September or early October and will return to the board with next steps after grant review.
