School official outlines short‑term accessibility fixes and $20M plan for Nantucket High School stadium

Chip Clooney, a guest from the Nantucket school system, told the Commission on Disability on Nov. 21 that the high‑school athletic complex requires immediate, temporary measures to improve accessibility and a longer‑term capital project to replace worn facilities.

“I'm gonna talk to Mister Gervin and the boosters club to try to get [a front deck and ramp by the booster shack] done,” Clooney said, describing a proposal to add a small platform and ramp by the concession/booster shack and to use Mobi‑style mats to create temporary, wheelchair‑accessible routes over gravel segments near the track and bleachers. Clooney added the mats “would suffice for temporary access” while the larger project is pending.

Clooney described two priorities: short‑term, actionable fixes before spring sports (ramps, an accessible route to stands, an accessible porta‑toilet, and temporary mats) and a longer‑term renovation. He said the current school‑committee plan envisions an asphalt track, new stands, ADA‑compliant restrooms, accessible walkways to the press box (ramp or elevator), and reorganized parking with dedicated accessible spots and an ambulance parking area. Clooney estimated the project “we're looking at $20,000,000 for this plan” and said he hoped the matter could go on a town ballot so voters could decide.

Commissioners raised practical questions about temporary mats (durability, terrain, and whether they can be removed for track meets) and about scheduling: Clooney said the big project was “at best, a year out, two years out,” and emphasized uncertainty about funding and departmental availability to schedule paving or other work. Commissioners asked Clooney and facilitator Brenda McDonough to “put this all down on paper” as a short‑term plan so the Commission could review and inspect the site over winter and be ready for spring sports.

The Commission did not take a formal vote on funding or endorse a specific long‑term design at the meeting; members focused on documenting short‑term remedies, confirming which materials (mats versus boardwalks/platforms) are feasible, and coordinating with school boosters, town roads staff, and vending/booster operators to implement temporary measures.

Next steps: Clooney said he will email the Commission with a written list of short‑term remedies; the Commission and facilitator will meet on‑site over winter to review the proposed temporary installations and to monitor progress prior to the spring season.