By Lee Coleman
The Gazette

Wilton — The Christopher Dailey Memorial Gymnasium took another step forward reality Wednesday when the Wilton Planning Board gave the plans conceptual approval.

The gym, which is expected to be built in the town's Gavin Park off Jones Road in 2005, is being financed by the Christopher Dailey Foundation and not the town.

Mark Dailey explained that his eight-year-old son, Christopher died unexpectedly on Nov. 23, 2001. A month later his family and friends decided to create a nonprofit foundation with the dream of building an indoor gym in the boy's memory.

"We want to build and pay for the gymnasium," Mark Dailey told the planning board.

"Our fund raising is going well," he said. "We will build in 2005."

Donald McPherson of the LA Group showed the board site plans for a 70-foot by 124-foot steel building that would be connected to the town's existing gymnasium at Gavin Park.

Dick Schlansker of Plank Construction in Schenectady, the building's designer, said the gym would have a hardwood floor and six practice basketball backboards and two-full court, game backboards.

The building would also include bathrooms, a storage area, and a lobby connecting it to the older gym.

McPherson said the foundation wants to take the building through the town's site plan approval process. The town board earlier this year gave the project its informal backing.

Planning board chairman Michael Dobis said the board's main concerns were about parking and traffic flow near the proposed building as well as such issues as septic system, water supply, and storm water management.

McPherson noted the LA Group is also, at the town's request, creating a master plan for the gym. The draft park master plan will be discussed in January and February and a public hearing on the proposed gym will be held in early 2005 as well.

Dailey said the foundation would own the proposed gym but the town's parks and recreational staff would maintain the building.

The Saratoga American Little League has been given a new scoreboard for their Major League Field, donated by the Christopher Dailey Foundation.

“The Foundation has provided us with a gift that will serve us well and last for a very long time” said Ginny Cahill, President of the Saratoga American Little League. “We’re thankful to the Foundation for providing this gift in memory of Christopher who spent 4 years playing at our ballpark.” Ms. Cahill also thanked volunteers for their assistance in erecting the scoreboard, singling out Jim Sasko of Teakwood Builders and Don Davis of S.D. Atelier Architecture

The Christopher Dailey Foundation is a non-profit charitable organization supporting youth sports activities in Saratoga Springs. The Foundation was established in honor of Christopher Dailey, an 8-year-old Saratoga resident who passed away November 23, 2001.

For more information contact Saratoga American Little League or the Foundation at 518-581-1328.

The Christopher Dailey Foundation has purchased basketball uniforms for the Saratoga Girls Travel Basketball Program, grades 5-8. The Travel program competes against other teams, mostly in the Capital District area.

“The girls work hard in this program and we’re expecting a great year for them, said Amy Smith, co-coach of the girls 8th grade travel team. “We’re so fortunate to have the Foundation support us by providing new uniforms for all four of our teams.”

The Christopher Dailey Foundation is a non-profit charitable organization supporting youth sports activities in Saratoaga Springs. The Foundation was established in honor of Christopher Dailey, an 8-year-old Saratoga resident that passed away November 23, 2001.

For more information contact the Foundation at: 518- -1328.