Groton — The $14.38 million athletic field referendum appeared to have passed Tuesday with 2,602 votes in favor and 1,182 opposed, not including early voting or absentee ballots, according to unofficial results. The improvements at Robert E. Fitch High School call for a new football/track stadium, along with parking and driveway work.

The project includes a synthetic multi-use field, eight-lane track, grandstand with press box, lighting, public restrooms, concessions and a storage building. Any leftover funding may be used to improve Sutton Park, Groton Middle School and the former Claude Chester Elementary School.

Officials said the project would bring Fitch's facility on par with other local high schools and provide more opportunities for sports teams to play on campus. The Athletic Fields Task Force made recommendations to address insufficient athletic fields in the community.

Later phases, which would need to be approved to be implemented, call for improvements to Claude Chester, Groton Middle School, Sutton Park and Fitch.

A taxpayer will pay an estimated $14 for every $100,000 of assessed value in 2026-27; $34 the following year; and $39 the third year. The amount will decrease annually until it reaches $23 in 2040-41.

k.drelich@theday.com