Ellington High School Expected to Receive Funding for Turf Fields, Lights

The State Bond Commission is expected to approve $1 million grant-in-aid funding for Ellington’s Athletic Facility Enhancement project, according to a written statement by Sen. Tim Larson.

The request is for installation of a turf soccer/football/lacrosse field and lights for an existing football/lacrosse/soccer field at Ellington High School. In addition, the project will install lighting at a football/lacrosse/soccer field and tennis courts at Schwartz Park, adjacent to Ellington High School.

“I want to thank the Governor for placing this important project on the Bond Commission’s agenda,” Larson said. “Ellington is the only high school in its conference that doesn’t have a turf field. This investment of state funds will ensure Ellington has proper facilities at its high school and take pressure off of other fields around town. I’m very excited that we were able to get this done for our community.”

The construction of a turf field, as well as lights, will supporter a greater demand for their use and relieve the overuse of exist grass fields in the town.

“Ellington has a lot of grass field in town and we have to rest these fields to keep them in good shape,” said Chris Weitz, President of Ellington Football Boosters. “This project will take a lot of school sports and recreation sports and put them on a turf field that won’t need rest and allow us to rotate resting fields in town. This is a really good thing for the town. Thanks to Senator Larson for helping get this for us. Really a great model for how politicians can work with their community. I’m so appreciative of all his help in getting these funds. We have been working on this for a number of years and without his help this would have been a real uphill battle.”

“Investing in local projects like the Ellington field has been an important priority for Senator Larson,” said Senate President Martin M. Looney. “State government continues to return funds to towns and cities to help them grow and prosper.”

The request for funding is included on this month’s State Bond Commission agenda, and is expected to be approved at its meeting on January 29.

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