Hingham Athletic Director : ‘The Fields Won’t Fix Themselves’

Hingham Athletic Director Margaret Conaty is asking residents to vote in favor of the high school fields’ project.

In a letter to residents, Conaty said the existing field is outdated and unsafe.

“The current main stadium has wooden bleachers that are unsafe, are too close to our neighbors, and only accommodates football and boys lacrosse," she said.  “This does not meet the needs of all our student-athletes or the law (Title IX).  The fields won't fix themselves, the bleachers won't become safer by themselves and the needs of our female student-athletes won't be met unless we take action.”

At Monday’s Town Meeting, residents have the chance to a approve a  new multi-purpose playing field  with associated fencing, landscape, drainage and gate improvements, and installation of bleacher seating. They will also decide on a proposed synthetic turf field and field lights.

Conaty, who also resides in Hingham said a new synthetic turf field would be worth the money. She said the field would be used by four high school sports (football, soccer, field hockey, and lacrosse) and various youth teams. 

“With that many teams using one field, it would take an immediate toll on natural grass,” she said. “The second reason for a synthetic field is about field hockey and addressing Title IX issues. Field hockey and other sports cannot coexist on a natural grass field.  Field hockey must be played on a very smooth surface.”

Conaty would also like to see new lights so athletes can play in a prime-time atmosphere when more parents are available to attend games.  She also said night games will build community. 

She said the school also needs a larger press box and bleachers.

“It is our responsibility as a town to make sure that these fields are safe and in the absolute best shape they can be,” she said.  “Improving the fields will allow for even greater use of this beautiful site for both organized sport and passive recreation by Hingham citizens of all ages.”