Simsbury Moves On Plans For Memorial Pool Splash Pad, Redesign Project

SIMSBURY, CT — Simsbury officials are moving ahead with planning for a possible splash pad and redesign of Memorial Pool, though the town has not committed to a final project or authorized a grant application.

The Simsbury Board of Selectmen voted unanimously Sept. 14 to authorize Simsbury Town Manager Marc Nelson and town staff to prepare documents and materials needed to seek outside funding for a splash pad and redesign project at Memorial Pool, located at Memorial Park, 52 Plank Hill Road.

The discussion began with a proposal to authorize Nelson to apply for a Small Town Economic Assistance Program, or STEAP, grant for the project.

Simsbury Director of Culture, Parks and Recreation Tom Tyburski told selectmen the grant application would require the town to identify what type of project it intends to pursue at the Memorial Park site.

He provided an overview of costs associated with building a new pool compared with a splash pad and discussed different types of splash pads.

Simsbury First Selectman Wendy Mackstutis said she was not ready to commit the town to agreeing if a grant were awarded because officials do not yet know the project's precise scope or financial impact.

Simsbury Deputy First Selectman Steve Antonio also expressed reservations about the proposed authorization.

Selectmen discussed what would happen to swimming lessons if the Memorial Park pool were removed, as well as the potential construction cost of a splash pad.

Tyburski said town staff was beginning capital budget discussions and that a decision about the future of the site would help staff prepare the town's Capital Improvement Program.

Selectman Kevin Beal questioned the timing of authorizing a STEAP application because the grant period was not yet open.

He suggested allowing staff to prepare the necessary material and having the board vote on an application once the time comes to submit it.

The board ultimately adopted Beal's approach.

He made a motion authorizing Nelson and town staff to "prepare necessary documents and materials to seek outside funding for the splash pad and redesign project at Memorial Pool." Selectman Diana Yeisley seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.

The action does not select a final design or authorize construction.

The broader Memorial Pool discussion has included potential improvements to the facility at Memorial Park, including upgrades, rebuilding the pool, or replacing its aging wading pool with a splash pad.

Future capital improvements remain part of the town's ongoing budget and capital planning discussions.

For the minutes of the Sept. 14 Simsbury Board of Selectmen meeting, click on this link.