Athletic Field Improvements

Information from MGRHS Fall Sports Meeting, provided by Dave Armet

Athletic Fields Improvements Update

The MGRS Phase II Subcommittee was charged with investigating the best option to utilize a gift from Williams College for necessary upgrades to the athletic field complex including compliance with ADA and Title IX regulations. In doing so they sought to create a playing surface for greater usage throughout the school year by various teams and significantly increased use by the phys ed/wellness department.

Their work resulted in a proposed plan for ADA accessibility, Title IX compliance for softball and plans for a synthetic turf playing field and a proper track oval. The Phase II subcommittee was comprised of parents, students, athletic faculty and coaches, school committee members.

Where:​ ​Where will these improvements be made?

● None of the existing natural grass playing surfaces would be disturbed and further investment in those surfaces is encouraged as part of this plan

● The softball field will be reoriented and improved for safety, including backstop and dugouts

● The proposed synthetic field will be located on the site of the former school building

● The track would be located on the site of the current grass oval

Why:​ ​Why is the subcommittee recommending these improvements?

● The subcommittee studied field usage, student participation in activities, and current field conditions and determined that a synthetic field and track were necessary and key improvements

● The improvements would provide operational and logistical certainty that the current complex does not for physical education, athletic practices, and competitions

● Some of the improvements are regulatory and required (ADA & Title IX) triggered by the addition / renovation project of the main school building

How:​ ​How will this be funded?

● No taxpayer financing would be required

● The Regional School District received a gift from Williams College to support improvements to the campus

When:​ ​When is this going to occur and on what timeline?

● The goal is for completed work and usable fields by the spring of 2020

● Bids for the proposed plan will be received by ​September 6, 2019 (the school website notes that bids will be received September 11- added by Stephanie Boyd).

● School committee will review the bids at their ​September 12, 2019​ meeting

● If approved, work would commence immediately

If you have thoughts, get involved. Contact the School Committee