Nantucket Public Schools proposes extensive Capizzo Stadium renovation with accessible grandstand and synthetic turf

Nantucket school officials and their design team presented a detailed plan to renovate Vito Capizzo Stadium, saying the project would add a regulation 400-meter track, a new multipurpose synthetic turf field, a 980-seat accessible grandstand and modern field lighting.

The project team, led in the presentation by John McMeekin of SMRT, said rising enrollment and heavy field use have made upgrades necessary. "We have almost 70% of our students playing at least one sport in our district," McMeekin said, noting that the combination of high participation and limited acreage has caused substantial wear on natural grass and constrained practice schedules.

Why it matters: presenters argued the current conditions—an outdated cinder-and-stone track, bleachers and press box that do not meet ADA requirements and no permanent restrooms—limit competitive opportunities and pose safety and access issues for students and spectators. The team said measured use-hours on campus fields frequently exceed 800 to 1,300 hours per year, a level that increases maintenance burdens and injury risk.

What’s proposed: the design program described a six-lane oval (eight lanes on the straightaway) in an unequal-quadrant geometry, a 210-by-360-foot synthetic turf inboard field that can be lined for football, soccer, lacrosse and field hockey, a team-room building with an occupancy of roughly 49, a concessions/booster building and new drainage, utilities and parking. McMeekin said the chosen track surfacing is the Rekortan G13 gel-series and that the turf product under consideration uses a combination of monofilament and slip-film fibers with recommended shock pads to reduce head injuries.

Schedule and procurement: the team said design and engineering should be complete in mid-March, with HDC review to follow; they plan to bid the work under Massachusetts General Law Chapter 149 in mid-March, expect bid results in late April and to present outcomes at the annual town meeting in early May. If approved, construction could begin after the summer tourist season and take roughly 12–18 months, with material and equipment barged to the island.

Accessibility and operations: presenters described the grandstand as a top-and-bottom-loaded system built into an existing slope to provide accessible seating at both elevations. Walkways and parking to the complex are planned as paved, ADA-compliant routes; ambulance staging adjacent to the team room was noted for emergency access. The team also said synthetic turf reduces irrigation, mowing and lining needs though it still requires regular grooming and infill maintenance.

Community engagement and next steps: after the presentation the floor opened to project-related questions from both in-person and online attendees. Officials committed to provide requested budget figures for current grass maintenance and to follow up with additional details before the town meeting. The presenters said they may hold another information session as the town meeting approaches.

Ending: the presentation concluded with a reminder that the Board of Health will hold a special meeting on March 2 to review materials and evidence related to turf and health concerns; project proponents said they will attend with technical experts to respond to questions.