Norwich is one step closer to turning the Rose City Senior Center and the nearby athletic areas into the RecPlex. Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont visited Norwich Friday to recognize the $5.1 million in state funds from the Community Investment Fund (CIF) 2030 program that was announced in March, and the city officially got two weeks ago. The lion’s share, $4.9 million will go toward improving Fontaine Field and its accessibility to the neighboring Rose City Senior Center. Another $250,000 will go toward redevelopment plans for the Norwich portion of the former Norwich State Hospital. The Fontaine Field work could start as soon as the week of April 28, and will be finished by the end of 2025. Fontaine Field will be closed in the fall, and alternate arrangements are being worked on with the schools and permittees, Norwich Human Services Director Kate Milde said. Transforming Fontaine Field has been a priority for Norwich Human Services for a few years. Work on Fontaine Field will include replacing the field with synthetic turf, adding spectator stands, enlarging the parking area, and adding accessible walkways to the senior center, Milde said.
https://www.norwichbulletin.com/story/news/local/2025/04/26/ct-funded-improvements-fontaine-field-norwich-community-investment-fund-turf-stands-parking-walkways/83276652007/?tbref=hp