Supervisor Ed Wehrheim recently 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… ,” Wehrheim said. “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.”
Wehrheim, joined by 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,” said SJN President Russell Pace. “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.”
Construction of the new fields will begin in April. The first fully turfed football field is scheduled for completion in time for the Bulls’ practice season in August. 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,” said Tom Bruckbauer, president of Smithtown Youth Lacrosse. “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.”