Progress Made on HHS Fields Project

Progress on the was made at last night’s School Committee meeting as visions of a new track and tennis court for  became more clear.

An Ad Hoc Field Committee that would research and develop strategies for a major revamp of the school’s athletic facilities was voted in. The Committee will work closely with the administration, neighbors and others townspeople for a multipurpose field.

The Committee also moved to apply for a $50,000 grant towards a new tennis court, courtesy of the United States Tennis Association. The grant would greatly decrease funding needed for the project.

In addition, the committee voted to spend $20,000 to fund design of the tennis courts. This would be the first big step in making the facility a reality.

Vice Chair Caryl Falvey explained the importance of a new field to at the committee meeting.

“In 2006, a committee was formed...and at that point, there was a need for an all-purpose venue,” she said.

According to the committee, many issues have arisen concerning the degradation of the athletic facilities. The track has drainage issues and , the courts have huge cracks and the fields flood easily. Also, considering the heavy usage from the high school, camps, adults and youth groups, new facilities would ease the burden of many.

Despite the cost, which would add up to about $1,000,000 for the entire project, the Committee believes that the change is inevitable and that the time for a renovation is now.

“This has been a long time coming” said Falvey.

The Committee voted to include the Fields Project Proposal at a fall 2011 Special Town Meeting and Debt Exclusion vote. This would ensure the project be completed.

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There was a report from the Everything looks positive as the Committee expects reports and studies about traffic, the septic system and other issues.  They expect that their final building contract will be completed soon.

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Final School reports from three elementary schools ( , and )  showed great progress as goals of extending communication, expanding academics and improving the schools’ climates were met.