Hartford
In February, the town spent $75,000 to purchase the 3.25 acres, which sit between a portion of the sports complex and Route 5. When announcing the purchase, members of the Hartford Selectboard said they viewed it as a means to protect its $3.2 million investment in Maxfield from any potentially incompatible neighbors that might come forward in the future.
Now, there is an active discussion about how to best use the property and the building that it sits on.
Ideas include converting the land into more parking, a vegetable garden or a small tree farm, or using the building for a multi-purpose facility or as a central location for vendors or concessions, according to Sept. 8 meeting minutes from the Hartford Parks and Recreation Commission.
At the time of the purchase, Selectboard members said they thought it likely would be used for parking or as storage space.
On Wednesday afternoon, as the Hartford High School girls junior varsity soccer team prepared for a home game, Coach Jon Grobe said he was open to any option.
“Whatever they decide, I’m good with,” he said. “This field is such a luxury for Hartford, I’m happy with whatever they decide, and I’m sure they’ll make a wise choice.”
Grobe said he had not noticed any parking issues with the complex, but said the current designated vending space for the soccer fields is not ideal, because it is built into the rear of the building that houses the bathrooms, and faces away from the fields.
Eileen Brooks was sitting behind a folding table on the grassy area alongside the soccer field selling concessions for the game on behalf of the high school’s athletic booster club. Brooks said finding the perfect spot for vendors has been a challenge so far.
She indicated the rear of the restrooms.
“I used it for two games, but no one knew I was back there,” she said.
The grassy area is more visible, she said, but it has no power source, which prevented her from offering items like hot dogs and hamburgers.
Still, she said, she didn’t like the idea of selling items from the Emerge building.
“It’s too remote,” she said.
Brooks suggested that parking might be a better option, noting that those who park in some existing spots near the baseball fields are at risk of having their car dinged by a foul ball.
During Upper Valley Nighthawks games, parking can be particularly tight, she said.
Since it was first opened last year, Maxfield has had its share of kinks to work out, including disagreements with the state over the scope and cost of a turning lane on Route 5, disagreement within the community about the best placement and need for features like scoreboards, and the failure of a well-pump earlier this month, which rendered the water non-potable and required the temporary installation of portable toilets.
But the complex is getting increasingly well-provisioned with equipment and recreation options, and it has been smoother to operate, Grobe said.
“I’ve been taking lots of walks on the rail,” he said. “And there are middle school students on our team, so they’re getting their first taste of how beautiful it is here.”
Brooks said the complex is also doing a good job of showcasing Hartford and its school district to families from around the state.
“Visiting teams rave about it here, compared to what they’re playing on at home,” she said.
For some residents, the Complex is already blending into the background as an asset that is valued, but not necessarily appreciated as a comparative advantage over areas that lack such facilities.
Hartford student Cean Lieberman said he enjoys visiting when his sister comes to play soccer for Grobe.
“There’s a lot to do here,” he said. “There’s basketball. I’ve watched a couple of Nighthawks games.”
Cean, 12, looked around at the 52 acres.
“It’s a nice little complex,” he said.
Matt Hongoltz-Hetling can be reached at mhonghet@vnews.com or 603-727-3211.