Inland Wetlands Approves Permit for Lyme-Old Lyme Schools Turf Field

Credit: Region 18 Schools

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OLD LYME — The Inland Wetlands Commission approved an administrative permit for the proposed Lyme-Old Lyme Schools multi-purpose turf field on Tuesday evening in a 4-0 vote.

The field would have a smaller footprint than the current grass field and, according to Megan Raymond, a professional wetland scientist for Milone & McBroom, will have no negative impacts on the existing wetlands bordering the Duck River.

“There is a great deal of substructure to the field that encourages infiltration and minimizes runoff,” Raymond said.

The proposed plan would add native wetland plants to the surrounding area and not require any fertilizers or lawn care within 100 feet of the river.

The field, if approved by the Board of Education, will be used by lacrosse, soccer, softball and baseball middle and high school teams. The project, which does not currently include lights or a stadium, would cost between $2 and $3 million and be paid for with Region 18’s reserve fund for capital improvements. According to Superintendent Ian Neviaser, the project would hopefully take place in the next two to three years.

The next step will be for the school district to host a public information session and question and answer period. The sessions, originally planned for this spring, have been postponed due to COVID-19 and have not yet been rescheduled.