State planning grant first step to improve stadium

Date: 9/22/2009

By G. Michael Dobbs

Managing Editor



CHICOPEE -- For 1949, the football stadium at Szot Park was modern and efficient, but times have changed and the city of Chicopee has received a $75,000 grant to bring the facility into the 21st Century.

On Sept. 16, Parks and Recreation Superintendent Stanley Walczak and Mayor Michael Bissonnette announced the city was one of five communities in the state to receive an EEA Gateway City Parks Program grant for design services to make needed improvements at Szot Park.

Walczak explained the items targeted for improvement include a switch from a manually operated irrigation system to an automatic one; another upgrading of lighting of the football field, last done in 1964; field drainage improvements; the addition of handicap accessibility to the bleachers and restrooms; and overall renovations to the restrooms at the stadium.

Improvements would also be considered to the locker rooms, Bissonnette said.

Walczak said that consultants would have until Oct. 1 to submit proposals, which will be considered by a selection committee. Once the willing bid is determined the design work would be undertaken. When the design is completed the city would then apply for a grant for the construction costs.

Walczak estimated the renovations could cost "a few million dollars."

He added the state had selected Szot Park because it is "a facility with a lot of promise." The goal is to create a stadium area that would "serve as a model of other communities," Walczak said.

Bissonnette said the city is "very honored" for being chosen and that one of the reasons for the selection was his administration's emphasis on energy conservation.

Although improvements have been made in the park -- most recently upgrades to the tennis courts and the installation of a water spray area -- Walczak said the stadium has not been renovated.

Bissonnette said the actual construction might start next summer.