Windsor to spend nearly $2M on school, rec upgrades

Feb. 7—WINDSOR — The Town Council on Monday approved nearly $2 million worth of town projects for capital improvements at the schools and for recreational use.

Of the $1.97 million allocated at Monday's Town Council meeting, $800,000 was approved for the tennis court project at the L.P. Wilson Community Center.

The center holds five courts at the north side of the building that are lighted and surrounded by a 10-foot fence.

"The court surface and the chain-link fence are deteriorating and are in need of replacement," Director of Public Works and Town Engineer Robert Jarvis said.

Originally, the plan called to improve the five tennis courts, but it was modified to please residents and provide room for an activity that's grown in popularity over the years.

"This project involves the reconstruction of the courts to provide for six pickleball courts and two tennis courts," Jarvis said.

Councilman Ron Eleveld said he understands that the community needs the pickleball courts, but questioned the $800,000 cost.

Jarvis said the courts are being reclaimed, as the surface material would be ground up and left in place. Also adding to the cost is the replacement of the fence, new netting and sound screens.

Jarvis said construction could start this spring and be completed in 90 days.

The council approved the allocation with one member abstaining.

The money will come from federal American Rescue Plan Act funds.

Another allocation of $140,000 from the town's general unassigned fund balance was approved Monday for a floor moisture mitigation project at Sage Park Middle School.

In 1992, the town added 60,000 square feet to the middle school building. This portion of the school is experiencing moisture problems in several locations, including classrooms, hallways, a nurse's office and the gymnasium.

Jarvis said a study in 2021 was conducted to investigate the causes of the water seepage. It was found that poor moisture prevention under the concrete slab is the main cause, along with a high water table, he said.

Additional funding was requested Monday for a full study and design of corrective measures.

"When this was originally done it was obviously done incorrectly, I think," Councilman James Dobler said.

Jarvis said there are no mold problems yet, and the project will be completed mostly during the summer months.

The council unanimously approved another school capital project Monday for the heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems at the John F. Kennedy Elementary School.

Of the total $770,000 cost, $270,00 will come from federal ARPA funds with the remainder from the local Board of Education Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund account.

The construction includes replacement of the original gymnasium HVAC units to include complete air conditioning of the hallways, replacement of unit wall heaters and replacement of a fresh air unit in the school kitchen, Jarvis said.

He said the new equipment will be connected to the building's existing energy management system.

The work is expected to be completed by November.

Lastly, $260,000 in borrowing was approved for pavement improvements at Sage Park Middle School, Oliver Ellsworth and John F. Kennedy elementary school parking areas. It also includes parking lot improvements at the Pleasant Street boat ramp, the 330 Windsor Avenue community center, the Rainbow Road Fire Station and Mill Brook parking areas.

The work will include the milling and two inches of asphalt pavement.

Collin covers South Windsor and East Hartford for the Journal Inquirer.