Published in the January 14, 2016 edition
By DAN TOMASELLO
NORTH READING — The Turf Field Committee is looking for community members to assist with the group’s fundraising efforts for a new turf field.
The School Committee unanimously approved the creation of the Turf Field Committee last month. The committee will be charged with raising funds for installing an irrigation system at the two new fields located at the old high school site, which will be a practice field and a softball field. The Turf Field Committee is also looking to raise funds for constructing public bathroom facilities at Arthur Kenney Field, artificial turf at Carey Park and a new concession stand.
The Turf Field Committee was originally planning on raising funds for installing artificial turf on the two new fields, but school officials determined that plan was not feasible due to drainage issues.
School Committee Vice Chairman Mel Webster urged townspeople to contact either Superintendent of Schools Jon Bernard, School Committee member Jerry Venezia or himself if residents want to get involved with the project.
“Anybody who has interest in participating on the Turf Field Committee and helping us raise money to build another turf field, they are free to contact us,” said Webster.
While the cost estimates for the fundraiser drive have yet to be finalized, Venezia said last month the committee is looking to raise around $2 million in private donations.
The Savings Bank recently donated $10,000 to help kick off the committee’s fundraising drive when the committee was looking to construct a turf practice field and softball field.
Venezia said last month an irrigation system is needed for the two new fields in order to make sure they are properly maintained. Webster said last month installing turf at Carey Park will enable the school system to increase the number of practice fields when baseball is not being played.
Arthur Kenney Field needs a bathroom facility as well. The school department is currently using portable toilets at the field because the school department was given a waiver to address the bathroom situation.
The Turf Field Committee might look into constructing a concession stand at Arthur Kenney Field if there are funds available, although Webster noted last month it’s “not a necessity.”
The Turf Field Committee will consist of 11 members. While the final makeup of the committee has yet to be finalized, the committee will include Webster, Venezia, Bernard, High School Principal Anthony J. Loprete, Athletic Director Dave Johnson, two representatives from Parks and Recreation, three community members and a member of the Board of Selectmen.
