Vote For Simsbury's Meadowood Property In National Contest

SIMSBURY, CT — A Simsbury landmark is included in a national March Madness-type bracket of local government offerings, and the town is asking residents to help it advance to the next round.

Each year, a Portland, Oregon-based organization called Engaging Local Government Leaders (ELGL) recognizes local governments nationwide with the annual #ELGLKnope award.

And this year, Simsbury's Meadowood Property is among the nominees for ELGL's Best Places In Local Gov Award.

Simsbury residents voted to acquire the former tobacco farm — which consists of 288 acres of land on Firetown and Hoskins Roads — in October 2021. It's a historic place, as the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. worked there while he was in college in the 1940s.

Read more: Simsbury Property Where MLK Worked To Be Preserved

The #ELGLKnope award recognizes the "best historic and cultural places" in the United States, and Meadowood is among 32 landmarks pitted against each other for advancement to the next round.

The property is up against the Historic West Bend Theatre, a restored 1920s venue located outside of Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

"There were over sixty applications this year and our inclusion in the Round of 32 reflects the quality of our application and the enthusiasm from ELGL’s members about our project," town officials said.

Voting for the Round of 32 runs through March 11, and anyone can vote here (individuals get one vote per email address, and will have to cast their ballot in each of the 16 match-ups).

"We are asking for your help to spread the word about our nomination," Simsbury officials said.