The Bethel Planning & Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing on February 22nd about site improvements at the Middle School Ball Field.   The meeting will be held at the municipal center at 7pm.  Claris Construction is applying for a special permit at 300 Whittlesey Drive.

A private donor, who has asked to remain anonymous, is offering to pay for a  new multi-sport turf complex.  The field could be used for softball, baseball, soccer, lacrosse and field hockey.  Claris, the firm involved with the Track and Field Training Facility near the High School, will also add lighting. 

The proposal could see the baseball diamond moved back 10 to 20 feet into the nearby hill and putting up a retaining wall. 

Plans call for encapsulated rubber turf for the area, except for the football field.  The material is reportedly safer than the traditional rubber system, stays cooler and allows the ball to move faster than on natural grass.  It also has a 50-percent longer lifespan than so-called coconut infill.  

The public may attend and send comments via regular mail and email at landuse@bethel-ct.gov.