Artificial Turf and Lights Committee Aims for June 1 Construction Start Date

Construction on Tolland High School's artificial turf field and lights project could begin by June 1, according to preliminary estimates from the project's building committee.

At its first meeting on Tuesday, the committee members worked out a schedule that would make the field ready for use in the fall of 2013.

The town will have to put out a request for qualifications proposal for engineering firms sometime in February in order to get the project in gear. Once an engineer is engaged and a design is created, the town would then go out to bid for a contractor to complete the work.

THS Athletic Director Patrick Cox said that the athletic field could be closed for construction by June 1 or possibly Memorial Day weekend. The deadline for completion is potentially August 15.

The majority of the project's funding, a total of $700,000, comes from state grants awarded to the town. The funds can only be used on the project for which they were designated.

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Additionally, Tolland sports clubs will be paying back the town $300,000 in bonded money to complete the project. The first payment of $30,000 is due in July, according to Town Manager Steven Werbner.

A proposed joint management plan between the town and school district has yet to be approved by the town council and school board.