Newtown Closes Treadwell Park Turf Field Until Further Notice

NEWTOWN, CT — Newtown officials have closed the turf playing field at Treadwell Park until further notice after testing found the playing surface had deteriorated to a point where it was no longer safe to use.

First Selectman Bruce Walczak announced the closure Thursday, saying the decision followed consultations with Parks and Recreation Department leadership and a series of tests examining the field's condition.

"The safety of people, especially our young sports players who use the Treadwell turf field for practice and games is paramount," Walczak said in a news release.

The field was already scheduled for replacement ahead of the fall 2027 playing season. However, officials had hoped it would remain usable through fall 2026.

According to the town, heavy weekly use by more than 1,000 youth football, lacrosse and soccer players accelerated deterioration of the playing surface.

Assistant Parks Director Carl Samuelson said officials began investigating after receiving concerns from field users.

An internal test was followed by additional testing from the field's installation vendor, with results received Tuesday, Oct. 13.

Following a review of those results, officials immediately took steps to close the field while working to relocate affected teams to other facilities.

Walczak acknowledged the closure would disrupt practices and games through the remainder of the fall and potentially into next spring.

"We must ensure our sports facilities are safe, and understand it will cause a measurable degree of disruption," Walczak said.

Samuelson said alternative field availability is limited and not every displaced practice or game may be accommodated because of lighting, weather and existing commitments.

Residents can share concerns at the next Parks and Recreation Commission meeting, scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 20.

Town officials said they are working toward a broader solution while prioritizing player safety.