Field Complex Proposed For Land On Vernon-Ellington Line

VERNON, CT — Vernon Mayor Daniel Champagne on Tuesday announced a proposal to purchase a tract of land on the Vernon-Ellington line that would be turned into a public athletic field complex, a wetlands preserve and include steps to improve a stretch of the Hockanum River corridor.

After a lengthy executive session, the Vernon Town Council set a public hearing and special town meeting on the project for part of its Sept. 17 meeting. The matter is slated for 7:35 p.m., immediately after roll call.

Most of the land is in Vernon and the town would buy the three parcels along the Windermere Avenue and West Road corridors. A rough landmark is behind the CVS and Walgreens stores, but not necessarily abutting them.

Ellington officials have agreed to share some of the services involved, according to the plan. They worked closely with Vernon officials to formulate the plan.

The usable parcels are currently leased farmland, officials said. Here they are:

• 11.33 acres known as Lot 33 on the Vernon assessor's map and at 3 Windermere Ave. The purchase price is $278,000.
• 21.52 acres known as Lot 5 on the assessor's map off West Road and 9.09 acres of wetlands. The purchase price is $465,000. The mayor wanted the wetlands included as part of his "vision" to preserve them and to ultimately explore options to connect the area to other nature trails.

Aside from the $743,000 total for land acquisition, the project comes with a budget of $450,000 for land improvements and additions like utilities, "adequate" parking, a snack shack and rest rooms.

Champagne said it has been a year-long collaborative effort with Ellington officials. The plan is to also partner with local lacrosse and soccer clubs, officials said.

The plan calls for at least three grass fields and related improvements.

The total investment would be $1.193 million, taken from Vernon's general fund, officials said. No borrowing has been proposed.