Minutes
Culture, Parks and Recreation Commission - Minutes - Mar 26, 2026
Mar 26, 2026
A public record published by the Town of Simsbury (simsbury-ct.gov). mySimsbury indexes it and makes it readable; it is not the official copy. View the original file.
Page 1 of 4 Culture, Parks and Recreation Commission Regular Meeting March 26, 2026 – 6:00PM Town Hall Main Meeting Room 933 Hopmeadow Street, Simsbury, CT 06070 MINUTES TOWN OF SIMSBURY – CULTURE, PARKS, AND RECREATION COMMISSION Subject to Vote of Approval – Regular Meeting Minutes – Thursday, March 26, 2026 – 3 pages Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Dave Bush, Chairman, in the main meeting room at Town Hall. Other commission members who were present included Chris Boswell, Kelly Kearney, Liz Keppel, (arrived 6:30) Michelle Lipar, Erik Petersen, Lori Coppinger, and Andrew Droney. The C. P. & R. Director, Tom Tyburski and Board of Selectmen Liaison, Curtis Looney were also in attendance. Public Session- None Presentation – Simsbury Little League Facility Improvement near Field #5 – Mike Germano, SLL President and Eric Matthews, Facilities Director- Mr. Germano shared they are fortunate to have had a donor approach them in 2023 for funds to make improvements to Field #5. He stated that this same donor again approached them to see what they could do next to improve the facility. He shared the preliminary concept of the proposed field #5 LL Pavillion, which would include a picnic area with some shade. The size would be roughly 40x40 with space for about 8 picnic tables. They are also looking into if it can be a safety refuge during lightning events. Simsbury Little League received the funding commitment two weeks ago. The estimated cost is $175k for the structure, $25k for other costs such as tables, refrigerator, shade sails, etc. The preliminary plan is to begin site work in the Spring and begin construction in September. Mr. Germano shared that this past Sunday, Simsbury was chosen to host the U10 state championships for the next three years. Mr. Tyburski shared that there would be an MOU with the Town where Little League would be responsible for the utilities and upkeep going forward if the facility is constructed. Ms. Boswell seconded the motion. The motion passed with all in favor. Agenda Items Culture, Parks and Recreation Commission Board/Commission Name Regular Meeting Minutes January 22, 2026 Page 2 of 4 Minutes – Approval of January 2026 meeting minutes-Mr. Bush declared the January 2026 minutes approved and requested that they be put on record. FY2027 Town Budget Process Update - Mr. Tyburski shared that the Board of Finance Public Hearing is April 7, 2026 at the library. Between May 1-8 the budget referendum will take place (if the hearing is not continued). April 21, 2026 will be the Board of Finance public hearing continuation, if needed. May 15-22 will be the referendum if the hearing is continued. He shared that there were no cuts of note to the C.P.R. budget by the Town Manager’s office. Mr. Tyburski shared that they intend to apply for Congressionally Directed Funding for the Memorial Park Improvement Project. Last week, the Town’s Departments were asked to submit a project that they thought would fit the grant. Mr. Tyburski shared that 3 proposals were discussed at the last BOS meeting. The Board of Selectmen okayed the applications. They will be working on their application next week. Mr. Looney shared that if the grant is under the project cost, the Town would be on the hook for the remainder. Mr. Tyburski shared their Congressionally Directed Spending Request would be for $3 million in congressionally directed spending to support the demolition of a 70 year old non-accessible public pool and the redevelopment of the site into a 3800 square foot universally accessible splash pad and renovated community bathhouse/indoor restroom facility. Update on Simsbury Farms Golf Course Restaurant and Golf Course Openings – Mr. Tyburski shared that Simsbury Farms Golf Course opened today (walking only). The driving range opened up late last week. There is still some tree clean up happening, there is some damage to some of the greens due to ice this winter, the maintenance team did roll the greens and will start mowing next week. They are right about on target with where they were on season pass sales last year. The restaurant is moving full steam ahead, they have constructed a bar and are in the final stages of putting it together. They took out the fireplace, got a new refrigerator, they have ordered new indoor tables and chairs, also new patio furniture has also been ordered. There will be sitting for 60+ outside, they will also be installing tvs over the next couple weeks as well (4 tvs in the bar/restaurant area). The tent will go up soon, targeting two weeks from today for the opening of the restaurant. The new vendors are also working on their liquor permit. Mr. Tyburski reported that he will be soon be turning his attention to the cart path and drainage project this spring, a couple of tees are to receive leveling work as well. A new irrigation pump station has been put in the pump house, final hookup will be next week. They have gotten quotes to run power from the pumphouse to the #15 pond aerator, however, they may need to put a new aerator in there. Parks and Recreation Capital Projects Update- Mr. Tyburski shared on the Curtiss Park Trail connection project. He reported that trees got cut down late fall-early winter, they had to be cut before the bats came back to nest in there. The project is scheduled to be going out to bid very soon. He also shared that they are a couple thousand dollars away from finalizing replacement the Simsbury Farms Pool wood sundeck. The SPAC project is on schedule and they are looking at a June completion date. They Culture, Parks and Recreation Commission Board/Commission Name Regular Meeting Minutes January 22, 2026 Page 3 of 4 also have a little bit of touchup work to do at Weatogue playground as well as some fence work is still needed there. Summer Program Update- Mr. Tyburski shared that next year they will be moving skating lessons to Sunday afternoons, it will make it more convenient for working parents and make it easier to staff as well. He shared that they did lose the SHS high school hockey teams to ISCC so they have some time to fill at the SF Rink in the afternoons. The skating rink this season had 543 member check-ins and had two special events, BPS Lawyers Free Public Skate and “We Hate to See You Glow” which together drew in nearly 450 participants. In addition, 159 kids were enrolled in Learn to Skate. As of March 24, there have already been 560 aquatics program registrations and 608 pool passes sold. They are also offering some private swim lessons this year. All 8 sessions of Camp Stuff-Ta-Doo are filled. Awesome Adventure Camp has a few spots left in most sessions. Makerspace Camp has two new sports clinics this year, girl’s lacrosse and youth rugby. Additional weeks of tennis and golf camps and the All-In Sports camp have been added to meet the demand. There are also additional enrichment programs including baking, science, film and art to be held at the Apple Barn. Flashlight Egg Hunt- Mr. Tyburski shared that the egg hunt will be held 4/2 at the High School. The SHS boys and girls tennis teams will be helping. There will be an bunny, the library will be reading and Frankie’s Food Truck will also be present. The event is sponsored by the Simsbury Youth Service Bureau and the Simsbury Junior Women’s Club. Community Clean Up Day- Mr. Tyburski shared that this event will be held on April 25, 2026 from 8:00-10:00 a.m. sponsored by the Board of Selectmen, Simsbury Public Works and USA Recycling. Summer Special Event Planning They are planning on hosting 12 special events including: ● 6/7-BOGO on all slushy style frozen drinks ● 6/19 summer craft and games ● 6/27 storytime ● 6/29 treasure drive ● 7/4 red, white and blue event ● 7/11 shark week pool game ● 7/19 Luau Lagoon with hula, crafts and limbo ● 7/26 Under the Sea with crafts, games, photo booth ● 8/2 escape the pool challenge ● 8/8/ neon night ● 8/15 beach bum bash and pooch plunge (at Memorial) ● 8/23 inner tube party Upcoming CPR Events include: Culture, Parks and Recreation Commission Board/Commission Name Regular Meeting Minutes January 22, 2026 Page 4 of 4 ● 4/25 Community Clean-Up ● 6/18 Last Day of School Funfest ● 6/20 Touch-a-Truck ● 7/1 Community Band Concert and Ice Cream Social ● 7/23 and 8/6 Concerts at the Flower Bridge ● 8/22 End of Summer Blast Mr. Kearney shared that Hartford Healthcare has joined them at the $5k level as a contributor to the Friends of Simsbury Farms. They want to be involved with the Touch-a-Truck event, they may also bring a Lifestar helicopter and may be part of the End of Summer event as well. They also may do a skin cancer screening at the pool. He also shared that he is working on a family event at the Farms with Mitchell, Auto Group. It will be June 13th with some drawings/giveaways, maybe the UCONN Husky, children activities and restaurant specials. Adjourn Ms. Coppinger made a motion to adjourn. Ms. Lipar seconded the motion. All were in favor. The meeting adjourned at 7:00 p.m. Next Meeting The next scheduled meeting of the Simsbury Culture, Parks and Recreation Commission is scheduled for Thursday, April 23, 2026 at 6:00pm at the Town Hall Main Meeting Room. Respectfully submitted, Heather Taylor, Commission Clerk