Groton — Groton City is exploring using the former Colonel Ledyard Elementary School as a site for its parks and recreation programs, much the way Groton Town uses the former William Seeley School.

Using Colonel Ledyard School would have a cost, as the city would have to install handicapped-accessible bathrooms and a heating and ventilation system, among the improvements. 

The cost of this work has not yet been estimated, Mayor Marian Galbraith told the City Council earlier this week.

The council is expected to make a decision once it has these estimates, based on how much remains on a bond already approved for the building and what various improvements would cost.

The city had earlier discussed using the school for municipal offices, but put those plans on hold due to finances.

Galbraith told the council it had two options left: mothball the school, which would also have a cost, though she did not yet have an estimate, or make minimal upgrades to the building and make it available for parks and recreation programs and other community uses.

The school has a gymnasium with a stage and rooms that could be used for crafts.

“I would hate to see the building just kind of sit there,” Councilor Andrew Ilvento said of the school. He worries it could also deteriorate if left empty.

The school is at risk of mold due to poor air circulation, so ventilation would be needed, Galbraith said. Some windows or doors are boarded up, and weeds are pushing up through the pavement.

Susan Way, who has a 14-year-old son and lives a couple of doors away from the school, said she loves the idea of using the building for recreation.

“I think it’s definitely what Groton needs. Our youth have nothing but Washington Park. It would be great for them to have a place to go,” she said, adding of the school, “There’s a playground in the back, a basketball court, it’s a quiet stretch (of road) ... basically, it’s all set.”

Teenagers in particular need activities, she added. She sees them hanging out down the street in the convenience store parking lot, she said.

“The big thing is the teens,” she said. “They need a program for the teens.”

The parks and recreation department does not have a designated space for programs now, but houses its equipment in the small “park house” near the entrance to Washington Park.

The department director and her secretary have an office in the Municipal Building.

Staff use the gymnasium at West Side Middle School for some activities and hold the summer program at Washington Park.

d.straszheim@theday.com

Twitter: @DStraszheim