Park & Rec Considers Community Center In NYA Space

By Kendra Bobowick

Parks and Recreation Commission members have a “very new, very exciting option to explore,” said Parks and Recreation Director Amy Mangold

Newtown Youth Academy developer and local businessman Peter D’Amico had approached town officials recently to talk about the Parks and Recreation Department, for one, occupying space at the NYA, Ms Mangold confirmed Wednesday.

“It’s really, really early” in the discussions as officials “try to understand” how it would work, she said. If the project proves viable and beneficial to the town, Ms Mangold said it would replace the need to build a new community center for recreation programming and offices. But, she cautioned, “It’s too preliminary” to have answers.

While her department makes appeals for funding — roughly $18 million — over several years through the town’s Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) process, space renovation in the NYA’s track and basketball wing would be roughly $12 to $14 million, she said. “We’re trying to be fiscally responsible,” she said, adding that they must determine if her department’s programming will fit in the NYA wing.

“Again, this is preliminary,” explained Ms Mangold. “Right now we’re trying to figure out costs to see if this is a right option.”

Officials will meet in coming days to continue discussions previously canceled by Tuesday and Wednesday’s winter storm.

Rather than build a new community center in phases, possible renovations to the NYA space would include a swimming pool, lap pool, and administrative offices.

As recreation commission members met Tuesday just hours ahead of the nearly two feet of snowfall that closed most businesses Wednesday, commission Chairman Ed Marks said, “We’re still vetting the NYA and if the project should move forward.”

Airing questions on his mind, he asked how the renovation work would transpire. Would the town do the work, or would Mr D’Amico arrange for the space to be refitted? Would the town need to renegotiate the NYA lease? He estimated that at least a year to 16 months would be necessary for renovations before the Parks and Recreation Department could move into the space.

Overall, he remarked, “The town needs to do due diligence.”