365 Days Of Anticipation—

What Developments Will Take Shape In Fairfield Hills Plans?

By Kendra Bobowick

Twelve months from now may bring the first cheers of “great hit” and “nice play” to the Fairfield Hills campus. Winding in and out of the shade could be a couple on Rollerblades, or a young man or woman walking a dog. Residents also may be looking at plans for a new town hall.

These and many other visions hinge on the Fairfield Hills project’s progress.

According to plans, “By this time next year the schedule calls for walking trails and a 90-foot [baseball] field,” said preconstruction manager Scott Baillie of O&G Industries. Although trails and walking areas — except those restricted for crews completing soil remediation near buildings — are already in place and see much activity, Mr Baillie offers a picturesque description of the future trail.

He describes the trail’s route as “meandering through the campus.” The trail will “encompass areas around buildings, through the woods, and will have paved and gravel portions. The trail will also have natural areas,” he said.

He also wants to “dress up” the entrance with a welcoming sign, he said.

“At the starting point I would like to have a formal entrance and parking, a sign, maybe a little map,” he said.

Most intense is the desire to see at least one regulation-size baseball field, although Parks & Recreation Director Barbara Kasbarian is pleading for two.

More likely to see one rather than two fields, Ms Kasbarian said, “I am feeling good, but frustrated. If we only get one, then we only get one,” she said.

Compromising, Ms Kasbarian said, “Our hope then is to light the field,” therefore extending the playing time into the evening.

She explained that the need for playing space is desperate.

“I am really hoping for our 90-foot fields,” she said. Two fields had been proposed in past years, “and I am still hoping for two,” she said.

But budget constraints may force the final decision.

Mr Baillie, like Ms Kasbarian, awaits the January 17 meeting, when plans and capabilities will become clearer. On that date, Vollmer Associates, a landscape architectural firm, will present options for the ball fields and walking trail. Also, Tai Soo Kim Partners, an architectural firm, will present plans for the town hall.

As of this week, Mr Baillie shed faint hope on gaining two fields in the final planning.

He said, “We’re doing our best to facilitate Parks and Recreation.” Monetary restrictions may prevent that wish from coming true.

Fairfield Hills Authority Chairman Robert Geckle, Sr, also speaks realistically, saying it “comes down to how much it all will cost.”

Although two fields had been proposed “several years ago,” Ms Kasbarian acknowledges financial constraints, she said.

She, too, is waiting for January 17, when “we’ll know if two fields are still in the plans,” she said.

Regarding the field(s) location, Mr Baillie said, “We are still looking at different options to find the most cost-effective location.” Although he cannot “pinpoint it yet,” possibilities will be part of the January 17 presentation to the Fairfield Hills Authority.

Third on the list to see results a year from now is a new town hall.

Mr Baillie anticipates the possibility of beginning bidding for the town hall project, which he said carries estimates of between $9 and $10 million. Mr Geckle offered a similar quote of between $8 and $10 million. He is in agreement with the year’s forecast, saying he is “also hoping that we’ll be bidding at this time next year.”

He and Mr Baillie both noted there are “three options” in play for town hall. Renovations, additions, and new construction all pose possibilities.

“The idea now is to look at existing buildings like Shelton and Bridgeport Hall,” Baillie said. “We’ll look at those two buildings for options as reuse, or a combination of those two with additions, or a new facility.”

He again pointed to next week’s meeting for more detail.

Not all the elevated hopes will become reality, but the project will open up at least one more field, offer a recreational trail, and see municipal building improvements. Mr Geckle turns a positive eye to the coming year.

He spoke with praise about those involved in the Fairfield Hills Project, saying, “We’re getting out of the box quickly and doing a lot of work. There are a lot of people working hard.”

However, Mr Baillie has indicated that “a lot of factors” still must be worked out. Both Mr Baillie and Mr Geckle look to the upcoming meeting on January 17 for more definite answers.

Taking A Hike

In Fairfield Hills

Ms Kasbarian’s spirits brightened at the mention of hiking trails. “So many people use them,” she said. She is aware that adults, children, and groups of people all step out for a walk through Fairfield Hills.

Describing the partially wooded, partially paved route the proposed trail will take, she said, “This will be more of an urban walk.”

Considering those who will be able to enjoy it, she mentioned wheelchairs and baby carriages. She also noted a feature unique to this trail.

“There really are no other urban trails,” she said. Thinking ahead beyond the Fairfield Hills projects to something the Parks & Recreation Department has in mind, Ms Kasbarian described trails connecting the Ram Pasture area to Dickinson Park, “to allow bicycles and pedestrians” to move between the two areas in the center of town.

The Parks & Recreation Department’s Trails Committee has applied for grant money, which is crucial, she said, noting, “There is some budget money, but we can’t move without a contract for the grant.”

Despite future endeavors, the Fairfield Hills area already offers a scenic background for health-conscious residents.

Maureen Armstrong believes Fairfield Hills campus and its available areas for walking are “wonderful.”

“It’s wonderful property where I can walk and where I don’t have to have concerns about traffic,” she said.

Ms Armstrong details a rustic, family-oriented scene where “people take their kids” for some time outdoors. “It is where you’ll see moms with their strollers,” she said.

She then mentioned a scenario with which many pet owners are familiar: “We walked our dogs there and made friends with other dog walkers.”

Just this week found Sarah Burns who was getting some exercise with her 6-month-old retriever, Lexie. Patricia and Gerald O’Rourke, who both agreed that the campus was a beautiful place to walk, accompanied Ms Burns.

The next Fairfield Hills Authority meeting will be January 17, at 7:30 pm, at Town Hall South.