Feasibility study for Wilton dome sports complex to begin next week
WILTON — A large indoor sports complex proposal has been bounced around town since the start of the year and, on Sept. 16, that idea will take its initial step towards realization.
Santec, a Boston-based sports facility vendor, is set to start its feasibility study on the area earmarked for the dome.
The Board of Selectmen approved the feasibility plan in May. At the time, First Selectwoman Lynne Vanderslice made sure to note that this decision was not a confirmation the project would move forward with building plans.
“This is just to determine the concept plan as a feasibility study, and that does not mean they design it, and it does not mean that they build it,” Vanderslice said in May. “It’s just that we get this information, it comes back and (we can ask) ‘can it be done at a price that we will consider?’ ”
Stantec will begin the study, looking into what might go into building the domed structure and the amenities needed to run it.
“They are coming out on (Sept. 16) to do core samplings to identify areas where they have to get in to look at,” Steve Pierce, parks and recreation director, said Wednesday.
He said that the size of the project’s footprint has remained steady through its inception, and Stantec will move forward planning on the complex being 125,000 square feet. The
current plans call for a full-size turf field to be installed — aligning with NCAA size regulations — and at least one full-size
basketball court.
More than just the cost of building the original structure, Stantec will implement the life cycle
costs of the plant, as well as relevant maintenance that is likely to be required.
“They’ve already talked
about gas lines, and are looking at locations for all of that stuff,” Pierce said.
The feasibility study is expected to last roughly
two weeks. The town should then receive preliminary design ideas from Stantec by mid- to lateOctober.