BETHEL — A possible partnership between the town and Gould Academy could expand community recreation opportunities at the school’s field house, according to Bethel Recreation Director Nate Crooker.

Crooker outlined the idea during a March 4 presentation to the Bethel Select Board, describing early discussions about shared use of the facility and possible renovations.

In the presentation packet, Crooker wrote that “a project concept where the community and Gould partner to renovate the Field House and utilize it as a shared recreation resource emerged.”

Gould Academy Head of School Tao Smith, recreation advocate Wade Kavanaugh, School Administrative District 44 Superintendent Mark Kenney, rec basketball Director Mike Pelletier, Crooker and others began informal discussions about the idea last summer.

“When it comes to the design piece, it is very much ideas at this point,” Crooker said.

He said Kavanaugh has been working to secure grant funding that could support development of a design proposal.

“That would help us understand feasibility and possibly cost,” Crooker said.

Ideas discussed include adding a second floor to the building.

“The idea isn’t that this is a massive project the town of Bethel is going to fund,” Crooker said. “We think it needs to be done through fundraising, grants and philanthropic means.”

Gould opens the field house to area residents for pickleball, walking, basketball and baseball. Some residents use the first-floor gym equipment while young children play in the open space or in the skateboard park.

Crooker said access relies heavily on volunteers, including Sue Radway and Cindi Wight.

To gauge community interest, Crooker posted a survey on the Recreation Department Facebook page Feb. 5. Ninety three people responded.

One question asked whether residents would support additional recreation funding through property taxes to facilitate more community use of the field house.

Crooker said 57 respondents supported the idea, 11 opposed it and 25 were unsure. Others said they would be willing to pay a fee or make a donation.

A different question asked residents what amenities they would most like to see added.

“The most requested thing was a pool,” Crooker said. “We asked people not to say heated pool and people still asked for it.”

A game room ranked second.

Crooker also suggested creating a part-time position — director of community recreation — beginning in September 2026 to expand field house programming.

Proposed field house hours include weekday daytime programs for ages 0-5 and homeschool families, after-school programs for school-age children and some weekend hours for all ages.

“There are ideas about what it could be and how to get there,” Crooker said. “That’s why I am recommending the town add a resource so we can advance those plans.”

The position could expand activities beyond traditional gym sports to include board games, crafts and skill development, while coordinating volunteers and working with SAD 44 on after-school transportation.

Crooker said some questions remain unresolved but that the effort reflects improving relations between Gould Academy and the broader community.

“What we see right now is an evolving approach and a great willingness and interest to be part of the community,” Crooker said. “Being welcoming and proactive in sharing some of the space and resources they have available.”