On Jan. 12 Town of Smithtown Supervisor Ed Wehrheim joined families, coaches, and young athletes at the St. James Nesconset Youth Football (SJNYF) Banquet to deliver an exciting announcement that will transform the future of youth sports in Smithtown. For the first time in the program’s history, the Bulls will have an official home field at Toner Park (also known as the Armory) in Nesconset. The field improvements will serve approximately 220 football, 200 Cheerleading and over 200 lacrosse families, all local to the township.
“This is a momentous occasion for the young athletes and their families who have waited years for a place to call home… We’re proud to deliver a facility worthy of their hard work and dedication. These fields are a testament to our commitment to investing in our youth and creating opportunities for them to thrive,” said Supervisor Wehrheim.
Wehrheim, Councilman Tom Lohmann and members of the Parks Department unveiled the project announcement during the annual banquet, where approximately 200 SJNYF families gathered to celebrate the Youth Football league’s achievements. The new athletic fields project, approved for the 2025 capital budget, will serve as home to the St. James Nesconset Youth Football & Cheer and over 200 local families with Smithtown Youth Lacrosse.
“We are absolutely thrilled to finally give our football players and cheerleaders a home base. We are incredibly grateful to the Town of Smithtown, Supervisor Wehrheim, and his team for turning this dream into a reality. This project is a testament to the unique partnership between the town, our athletic leagues, and the families who make it all possible. It’s a shining example of the power of teamwork and the belief that anything is achievable with dedication—a value we proudly instill in our young athletes every day,” said Russell Pace, SJN President.
Construction of the new fields will begin in April 2025. The first fully turfed football field is scheduled for completion in time for the Bulls’ practice season in August 2025. A second field will be hydroseeded this year, with plans to complete its transformation into a turfed athletic field in the 2026 capital budget year.
“I’m beyond thrilled that our lacrosse teams will finally have a state-of-the-art facility to call home. This is truly a dream come true for our kids, and I’m deeply grateful to everyone who helped make it happen. These fields will have a profound impact on our young athletes—not only by enhancing their physical fitness and teamwork but also by fostering lifelong friendships. This facility is more than just a playing field; it’s a stepping stone to their potential, where they’ll learn some of life’s most valuable lessons, both on and off the field,” said Tom Bruckbauer, President of Smithtown Youth Lacrosse.
Additional projects on the Horizon for 2025
The 2025 fiscal year is set to bring exciting developments to Smithtown’s park system, further enhancing recreational opportunities for residents of all ages. Among the upcoming projects are new athletic fields at Cy Donnelly Park, which will provide a home for Kings Park Youth Athletic Leagues for Football, Lacrosse and Soccer. The fields are designed to accommodate the growing needs of our community athletic leagues. Additionally, the expansion of pickleball facilities is on the horizon, with plans to add more courts throughout the parks system to meet the sport’s surging popularity. The town is also exploring the potential for hosting pickleball tournaments at Charles P. Toner Park in the upcoming year ahead, which would not only provide local enthusiasts with competitive opportunities but also foster community engagement. These initiatives reflect Smithtown’s commitment to quality of life, health & wellness, and a sense of community through its top-tier recreational spaces.
NOTE: St. James Nesconset Youth Football & Cheer is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing instructional football and cheerleading programming for children ages 5 through 13. The organization focuses on teaching the fundamentals and proper techniques of sports, while fostering physical fitness, teamwork, sportsmanship, and leadership skills in a safe and positive environment. The program’s mission is to create lasting friendships, cherished memories, and a love for the game in every participant.
