Manchester Park Could Expand With Pair Of New Softball Fields

MANCHESTER, CT — Two new softball fields have been proposed for a recreational parcel in Manchester.

Municipal planning officials said that Planning and Zoning Commission applications have been submitted for an Erosion and Sedimentation Control Plan, Inland Wetlands Permit and Flood Plain Permit to construct the fields at 250 New State Road.

That's the Carl Silver Field complex.

Carl Silver Field, an adult softball field, was constructed on the 20.7 acre parcel at 250 New State Road in 2002. A gravel parking lot with access from New State Road serves the complex.

A 2.5 acre grassed area west of the adult field is currently used as a practice soccer field. The parcel is zoned rural residential.

The proposed project includes the construction of two youth softball fields in the area west of the existing field. Clearing and "grubbing" of approximately 1.2 acres along the western and southwestern portion of the site would be required.

The fields would be natural grass with traditional infields with an irrigation system, according to the plans. It would be lighted with dugouts and a chain link batting cage that would be relocated from Charter Oak Park, according to the plans.

Paved, 8-foot-wide sidewalks would also be installed. The existing gravel lot would be expanded and paved.

The project is not expected to have a significant impact on traffic, officials said.

Once approved, the project should take five months to complete, according to the project outline.

Here is a look at the plans: