Community group seeks private funding for permanent pavilion, ADA restrooms at SHS turf field

A community group called Friends of Simsbury Athletics urged the Board of Education to support a privately led fundraising effort to build a permanent pavilion, concessions and ADA restrooms at the Simsbury High School Turf Athletic Complex.

Kelly Hahnley, who identified herself as a long‑time resident and parent involved with the group, described a rendering for a pavilion that would include two team rooms, men’s and women’s restrooms and an all‑gender/family restroom, as well as donor recognition opportunities such as walkway stones and naming rights.

Hahnley said the group will not seek town or Board of Education funding and plans to raise the full construction amount through private donations and local business support. She named TechTon (a construction partner) as the company the group favors to manage feasibility and construction once funds are secured and said the Friends will pass the project to the district for maintenance after completion.

Board members asked about cost estimates, timing and how the facility would be integrated into the district’s capital plan. Hahnley said preliminary feasibility estimates ranged "anywhere from 1 to 1.3" million and that the group was considering a $1.5 million target as it finalizes engineering work. District staff explained that once private funds are raised, the project could be folded into year‑one of the capital plan so engineering and permitting can proceed.

Members expressed support for community involvement but cautioned about competing capital needs and the district’s responsibility for long‑term maintenance. Staff noted that maintenance would be the district’s responsibility after the building was handed over.

The group said it will begin an outreach and fundraising campaign after securing a final estimate; the board took no formal vote on the proposal at the meeting.