To the Editor:

To dispel misperceptions about the Newtown Community Center Commission's planned proposal to elected officials please take a moment to read the following.

The motion voted into place on February 13th is, first and foremost, to create a vibrant multi-purpose community center building with no less than 13,000 and up to 18,000 square feet available to residents of all ages. The second level of priority is for an aquatic feature that ideally includes a 50-meter pool with eight swimming lanes, a movable bulkhead as well as a zero-entry pool, subject to feasibility.  The 50-meter pools offers more usage options than a shorter, 25-yard pool such as dual usage options (laps and open swim for example) as well as swim lessons, water safety and scuba courses, mommy-and-me classes, water aerobics, and synchronized swimming to name a few. The study of a potential ice arena for a later stage of development of the Fairfield Hills community center campus is the third priority.

These elements are the direct result of extensive resident feedback, including public forums to discuss a draft proposal, and take into account: 1) Views that 13,000 square feet seemed too small to meet the community's needs, 2) A preference to stay within an already-committed budget of $15 million and 3) A high level of interest in building an ice arena in town, based on the survey responses.

For the avoidance of doubt, a robust central community center building is the NCCC's top priority. Because the pool area may require a slightly higher percentage of the total budget to construct, the square footage of the main building will only be finalized once more detailed estimates are submitted. Final plans can only be developed once the Public Building and Site Commission takes over the project after the General Electric gift has been approved by residents at referendum.

Regards,

Kinga Walsh

for the Newtown Community Center Commission

21 Horseshoe Ridge Road, Sandy Hook     February 22, 2016