Blocksidge Field Renovations: Investing in Swampscott's Tradition of Athletics, Its Infrastructure, and Its Youth

To All Swampscott Town Meeting Members,

The AllBlue Foundation, the nonprofit sec. 501(c)(3) organization working with our town administrator to bring much needed renovations to Blocksidge Field, urges you to vote to APPROVE Article 6 at Monday’s Town Meeting. As you are aware, we are seeking Town Meeting’s approval to fund Phase 1 of the project, an investment in our town’s infrastructure that will cost approximately $1.65 million. Phase 1 will include the installation of a wider, multisport, artificial turf field and related fixtures. It will enable the youth and high school sports programs to use a top quality playing surface like almost every town on the North Shore. Phases 2 and 3, installation of new, ADA compliant grandstands and light towers (or upgrades to the parking and driveway areas) will be entirely funded by private donations. Only the field and related fixtures (scoreboard, goalposts, fencing, and walkway circling the field) and the demolition of the existing deplorable, homeside grandstands will be paid for by the town in this proposal.

The AllBlue Foundation heard the message from the 2012 Town Meeting loud and clear: we have lowered the cost of this investment by $200,000; we have had numerous open meetings and forums for the public’s input; and we have expressly excluded crumb rubber from ever being used as the infill product. In fact, the Board of Health unanimously approved the alternative infill, Envirofill! This field will promote equality: not just for the various sports, but for boys and girls alike (soccer, lacrosse, field hockey and football). Swampscott has a rich history and tradition of excellence in athletics. These much needed renovations will enhance our community’s sense of pride in sports and Blocksidge Field will once again be an asset to Phillips Park, the town’s most popular park and gathering place for families and youth alike.

We have the support of numerous town committees, including the School Committee, the Capital Improvement Committee, and the Planning Board, to name a few. The Board of Selectmen and the Finance Committee will vote formally on Monday night before Town Meeting. We will also be presenting at Town Meeting with Tom Younger, our Town Administrator. We hope to see you at Town Meeting on Monday and urge you to support Article 6!

Best regards,

Christian J. Urbano

Advisory Member, Friends of Swampscott Athletic Fields, d/b/a AllBlue Foundation (2013-present)

Chairman, Former Athletic Field Study Committee (2012-2013)

Town Meeting Member, Precinct 4

www.allbluefoundation.org

www.facebook.com/pages/All-Blue-Foundation