Windsor Locks selectmen accept $250,000 planning grant to advance outdoor athletics project

The Windsor Locks Board of Selectmen voted to accept a $250,000 planning grant from the Community Investment Fund to support surveying and other pre‑construction work for a proposed Outdoor Wellness and Athletics Center.

Superintendent Sean told the board the planning grant will pay for surveying and 'shovel‑ready' work needed to pursue a larger CIF construction grant in the next funding round. "Basically, what this $250,000 will do, it'll allow all the surveying and the shovel ready work," the superintendent said. He said a successful later application could secure a full project award the speaker estimated at "about 6 to 8,000,000," which would minimize or eliminate bonding for the town if awarded.

Board member Kent moved to accept the award and the board approved the motion by voice vote. Members discussed logistical details: the superintendent and the Board of Education will coordinate whether the money is treated as town or school funds given how the CIF grant was written, and the town will finalize signature and submission steps.

The acceptance authorizes the superintendent to complete the remaining paperwork and bring the signed documents back to the board for execution. The motion passed by voice vote; the transcript records 'Aye' and does not record individual tallies.

In addition to the grant vote, the board approved a procedure for disposal of surplus equipment and an OptiSign display for the historic train station. The board also reported tax refunds totaling $4,042.05 and appointed Mary Spencer to the Arts Council.