Since its inception in May 2016, the New Canaan Athletic Foundation has partnered with our town to support youth athletes in our community. New Canaan has a long history of successful youth and high school sports that benefits the community at large by bringing joy to families and distinction to our town. NCAF is committed to continuing this proud tradition by organizing the financial support required to develop, preserve, and enhance safe athletic facilities that are used and beloved by so many of all ages.
In just a short time, NCAF, in partnership with our town, has organized and funded multiple major construction projects. In 2017, Dunning Field’s turf was resurfaced. In 2018, the high school track was reconstructed and expanded from six lanes to eight and the Water Tower 1 turf was replaced. Additionally, in 2018, Water Tower fields 2 and 3 were constructed, including lighting. These enhancements were much needed and provide safer facilities for our many youth athletes by allowing more space per player and quality surfaces that are less likely to cause injury.
Last year was a banner year for NCAF that enables us to continue in our mission to enhance town facilities for our athletes and promote a healthy lifestyle for all. We appreciate the support of so many in the community that have helped us in that goal. In September, we kicked off our inaugural FieldFest, a community-wide fundraising event that takes place on our beautiful athletic fields at Waveny Park. This event raised funds and brought together citizens of all ages for some end of summer fun that included multiple live bands and great food. FieldFest would not have been possible without the support and guidance of the Parks & Recreation Commission, led by Rona Siegel, Recreation Director Steve Benko, and Director of Public Works Tiger Mann and their respective teams. As always, families and businesses in our community stepped up to make the night truly an event to remember, and one that we look forward to for years to come. In November, we formalized the working relationship between the town and NCAF that provides, in part, the means to finance the maintenance of our many facilities and simultaneously lessens the burden on taxpayers. We are grateful to the Town, including First Selectman Kevin Moynihan, the Town Council, the Board of Finance, and the Board of Education. Leo Karl III was a key liaison throughout this process and his leadership is greatly appreciated.
Recently, the board has been pleased that the town’s athletic facilities are being put to good use by serious and casual athletes of all ages to get fresh air and exercise in a safe manner. Meanwhile, despite this hiatus from organized sport, NCAF continues in its mission to enhance these facilities and make them safer for spectators and athletes alike. In the next few months, we anticipate the installation of bleachers at Water Tower 2 field and hand sanitizing stations for all the turf fields, as well as providing funds for electrical enhancements at Dunning Stadium. We also are looking forward to this wonderful community gathering together at FieldFest 2020 when we are safely able to do so.
While we wait to get back on the fields together, please visit us at www.newcanaanaf.org. Here you can view future plans for our athletic spaces, share your own ideas for improvements, learn how you can support NCAF, and meet our proud alumni, founders, and past generous donors.
Thank you all and be well,
New Canaan Athletic Foundation Board of Directors
Michael Benevento, Chairman
Michael Murphy, Vice Chairman
Kimberly Connors, Secretary
Andrew Gordon, Treasurer
James Dunning, Master Planning
Robert Rushton, Executive Director
Amy Bennett, Development
Patrick Russell, Development
Jeffrey Fittipaldi, Development
Alex Sacripanti, Development
Robin Biasotti, Legal