Press release:
For over 60 years Stratford Little League has had a strong commitment to thousands of local families who have taken advantage of the League’s programs and clinics. And for much of that time they have relied on volunteer coaches to store equipment during the off-season. That is about to change.
Stratford Little League and the Town of Stratford are actively accepting bids for a general contract professional to construct a 2-story, 1,800 square foot Field Control Center. The facility addresses several needs for the League as it continues to grow its ranks and for the town as it meets demand for the ballfield complex
In addition to providing winter storage for equipment, the new building will have rest rooms and a snack bar. The grounds will see much needed improvements, including the installation of a patio area, redesigned walkways, and a brick entrance way to the facility.
“This is a much needed facility,” said Keith Ferrara, League Treasurer and Building Needs Committee Co-Chair. He added, “it is critically important for us to have a centralized location to store, organize and inspect all of the leagues equipment. Also, with the money raised by the snack bar we can put much needed funding back into the equipment for all players and much needed field improvements,”
For the past 18 months a Building Needs Committee has been meeting on a regular basis, with State and local officials to review site plans as well as scope the size and duration of the project. Construction is slated to begin this spring, with facility up and operating during the fall baseball season. Former Stratford Little League President and Building Needs Committee Co-Chair Chris Tyler commented that, “a tremendous amount of time has gone into getting the details right. We want this building to be more than just facility to serve the needs of the people who will use it – This will be a permanent home for Stratford Little League.”
The idea for the project began when the league felt it was could not keep pace with the growing demand for the baseball and softball programs it offers to hundreds of Town boys and girls each year. They turned to State Representative Terry Backer who immediately recognized the importance of the project and set about securing a grant from the State of Connecticut to aid in the construction. The League is also aided by the support of several local firms who offered pro-bono services, including those of: Robert L. Tobin, architect; Silver Petrucelli and Associates, OWI Construction Management, and Perreiera Engineering. “I am extremely grateful for all the time and effort everyone has put in to make this project a reality. The generosity of volunteering services is in keeping with the values of our League, and a great example for our kids,” said current Stratford Little League President Bill Augustine.
Plans and documentation for anyone interested preparing a bid are available through the town of Stratford. The League is actively looking for donations of any of the building materials specified in the bid package and has committed to recognizing the generosity of those make contributions to the project with permanent signage. Questions should be directed to the Stratford Little League by calling 203 545-9963, or by emailing StratfordLittleLeague@gmail.com.
