McDougall makeover urged
Coaches, athletes say Trumbull High stadium needs repairs
TRUMBULL — Heather Dayton still remembers the high school stadium’s deteriorating conditions her son played in at the semifinal game there with Trumbull Rangers Youth Football Program five years ago.
“Needless to say, it rained so hard that by the end of the day, the turf had huge pockets of water under all different parts of the field,” Dayton, a resident, recently told the Town Council. “Clearly, drainage was an issue.”
She said the fences and asphalt are also worn out, sentiments that were echoed by the more than 50 or so in support at the meeting connected to Trumbull’s athletics who stressed the need for the town to repair the track and field at McDougall Stadium and the safety issues there now.
“It’s time to improve the overall safety and provide a facelift,” Dayton said. “We all believe that this can be done; McDougall Stadium has the bones for it. This renovation will be a huge improvement not only to our Trumbull High School players but to our Trumbull youth programs and others who use the field. It represents our town and is significant to the community.”
The repairs were ultimately approved as part of the five-year capital plan during the recent meeting. However, Minority Leader Democrat
“It’s time to improve the overall safety and provide a facelift ... This renovation will be a huge improvement not only to our Trumbull High School players but to our Trumbull youth programs and others who use the field. It represents our town and is significant to the community.” Heather Dayton
Ashley Gaudiano reminded the public this was just the plan, not the funding to make the projects happen. The Board of Finance will decide which projects will be funded at its next meeting on Dec. 14.
“That’s a wish list of things that the town and Board of Education would like to see,” she said. “It’s not an authorization of spending and the next step from here is the Board of Finance will take up a one-year spending plan.”
The plan’s approval came after several people spoke about the need for improvements. Even more, mostly those connected to the football and lacrosse programs, filled the meeting room and spilled out into the hall.
“The entire facility is in desperate need of an overhaul,” girls indoor track coach Nick Banks told the town council. “It’s usually the centerpiece of a lot of athletics, as well as extracurricular activities.”
Town officials estimate the cost to renovate the football field and track next year is more than $3 million, according to the capital plan.
Coaches said the price is worth it though because it ensures athletes’ safety and the town can continue to hold events, such as graduation, on the field.
“Improving the facility will keep athletes safe, improve access for disabled students and spectators and will improve community events like our Fall Classic, Band Classic and Trumbull
High School graduation,” said resident Benjamin Strong. “The facility is also used by our Trumbull Special Olympics Track and Field team and we’ve noticed the track does need repair. These improvements will ensure a new generation of high school athletes and Trumbull Special Olympians
can enjoy fitness and the spirit of competition for years to come.”
The current cost of the capital plan is about $339 million overall.