Fairfield Hills campus is poised for increased activity and ongoing improvements next year, as detailed in a press release on November 13 from Deputy Director of Economic and Community Development Christal Preszler.

Building renovations, landscaping and infrastructure work, new construction, as well as daily recreation and annual community activity await guests.

The completed streetscape project, walking trails, ball fields, events, and upcoming new businesses will add to current tenants — NYA Sports & Fitness Center, The Parent Connection, Newtown Volunteer Ambulance Corps, and town municipal offices make the park-like campus streets, trails, fields, and meadows a destination in Western Connecticut, said First Selectman Dan Rosenthal.

The town will finalize a lease for Stratford Hall with Asylum Brewing Company LLC, a brewpub that will be one more reason for the public to visit the former state hospital property. Residents and craft-beer drinkers can enjoy the reuse of the former hospital hall.

Soon opening its doors to residents is the community and senior center, a new building with a swimming facility that is currently under construction. The center is expected to open in the summer of 2019. An indoor swimming pool and multiple other opportunities await visitors in what planners expect will become a multi-generational hub that enhances the community. The center will promote social interaction, health and wellness, creative opportunities, and personal growth, according to the release. Multi-purpose rooms, art and classroom space, a kitchen, and an entranceway with space for art displays are part of the building plans.

Discussions regarding a private ice rink and other projects are also ongoing.

Fairfield Hills’ open fields are often host to community events held by local not-for-profits, from car shows to plant sales and animal adoptions. Events can attract more than 10,000 people each year from Newtown and neighboring towns.

Another activity is the annual local Farmers’ Market, which sets up at the entrance to campus each Tuesday afternoon from June through October. Vendors sell fresh, local foods, crafts, herbs, and more. Also feeding the community is the Victory Garden, tended by teams of volunteers, which donate their harvest to local food banks.

Developers interested in pursuing projects on the campus or other locations in Newtown, should contact Deputy Director of Economic and Community Development Christal Preszler at christal.preszler@newtown-ct.gov or 203-270-4282.