McKenna Field Press Box to be Restored

On November 20, 2016, unknown persons set fire to the press box at McKenna Field. The press box was completely burned, and a portion of the backstop netting separating the field from the stands was also damaged. This terrible act damaged an iconic structure built many years ago by a community group for the benefit of our student athletes.

I am committed restoring and rebuilding the press box as soon as possible. Currently, our carpenters at the Public Works Department are in the process of drawing up plans and costing out materials for the work. We intend to create a new structure that honors the iconic look of the old box prior to this act of vandalism.

I call on all residents of East Hartford to speak out against vandalism and work to create a culture of care and respect for the public spaces we all share. We have many historic buildings, parks, and other amenities, which are kept open and fit for use by our collective respect and regard for the needs and wishes of our neighbors. East Hartford and it’s many facilities are open for all to enjoy, but we all have a responsibility to protect our town and it’s many assets, and leave each park, street, pool, playground, or public space as we found it, clean and unharmed, for all to enjoy.