‘Something very special’
Donor to fund new training complex
BETHEL — A cutting edge track and field training center could be built on the Bethel High School campus thanks to a donation from a resident.
The person, who wishes to be anonymous, has vowed to fund and build the center, which would be primarily used by the high school track and field team, but also be available for physical education classes, other teams and the community.
Larry Craybas, chairman of the Board of Education, said he is thrilled about the idea.
“This is an exceptional thing that (the donor is) doing,” he said. “I can’t believe it. Talk about excitement, to have a state-of-theart track and field training center right next to the high school is fantastic.”
The facility would include a 200-meter track on the mezzanine level and space for the athletes to practice shot put, long jump, hurdling and other activities on the lower level. Bathrooms and storage space for the high school’s ROTC and athletic programs would also be available.
“It will blow your mind when you see it,” Craybas said. “It’s going to be something very special.”
The building is intended to be used for practice only, not competitions.
The donor, who is working with the architect who designed Wilton Sport and Fitness and the Newtown Youth Academy Sports and Fitness Center, hopes the facility will open by November 2019, Craybas said. The center would be built behind the high school by the old tennis courts, he said.
The donor has met with the the boards of selectmen and education, and the school board has formed an ad hoc committee to tackle the project.
“I just sat there with my mouth open as they were taking us through the presentation,” Craybas said.
The selectmen have asked the land use department to subdivide the property where the building would sit, First Selectman Matt Knickerbocker said. The town would lease the lot from the donor for $1 a year for five years. After that, the donor would turn the building over to the Board of Education.
“To offer this to the town is incredible,” he said. “We’re very, very grateful for what (the donor is) doing for our schools’ student athletes.”
Knickerbocker said the facility would allow the track and field team, in addition to other sports teams and the community, to practice or work out year-round, regardless of weather.
Construction on the facility would be completed during the renovations to Rockwell and Johnson Elementary School.
“There is a lot that needs to be coordinated, so we don’t trip over each other and don’t interfere with the educational process,” Craybas said.
But he said the center would help athletes improve their skills.
“I see an opportunity for our student athletes to be recognized for scholarships on track and field,” Craybas said. “We may even have a couple Olympians come out of this.”
“It will blow your mind when you see it. It’s going to be something very special.” Larry Craybas, chairman of the Board of Education