Derby expected to receive $2.99M for athletic field project

Plans call for multipurpose field, relocation of baseball field

 HARTFORD - State Rep. Theresa Conroy (D-Seymour, Beacon Falls, Derby), state Rep. Linda M. Gentile (D-Ansonia, Derby) and state Sen. Joseph J. Crisco, Jr. (D-Woodbridge) today announced the imminent approval of state funding for Derby. 

The State Bond Commission is expected to approve $2.99 million for an athletic field project when it meets Sept. 30.

The project consists of construction of a new multipurpose artificial turf field with rubberized track, and the relocation and construction of a baseball field in Derby.  

The multipurpose field will be located off Kings Court. 
The location of the baseball field will be determined after a public hearing.

“This is great news for all the teams that will utilize this facility. I am especially delighted for the high school and middle school track programs who have been without a usable home track for meets for more than a decade,” Conroy said.

“Replacement of the high school's athletic field and track is critical to the health and well-being of our young people,” Gentile said. “Athletics plays a critical role in their overall development, especially during their secondary school years. I am very pleased that the state is approving these funds for the Derby High School community."

The budget for the project is $2.99 million so the entire cost should be covered by the state grant.

“This is fantastic news for the entire Derby community,” said Superintendent of Schools Matthew Conway. 

“This funding will provide much needed updates to our athletic facilities, fields and programs and provide greater access for all kids and adults. This will help preserve and carry on Derby’s long tradition and pride it holds for sports that spills over into every other part of a child’s life and will continue to define us as a family and what makes this family and city the great place that it is.”

“I played sports throughout high school and college, so I know how much pride students and parents take in their athletic achievements as well as their academic achievements. It’s a source of pride for the entire town, too,” Crisco said. 
“The kids in Derby deserve this. They’ve gone on long enough without sufficient athletic facilities, and I want to see them succeed and be happy. I think this state bonding will help accomplish that.”  

Conroy said, “I want to thank my legislative colleagues, Superintendent Matt Conway, the Derby Board of Education - especially Kenneth Marcucio - and Mayor Anita Dugatto for their dedication to this project. Our unified voice helped make this funding a reality.”

The state Bond Commission meets at 10:30 a.m. Sept. 30 in room 1-E of the Legislative Office Building.

This is a press release from Connecticut House Democrats.