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Smith Vocational closes football and soccer field for repairs; trustee board OKs remediation plan and accepts topsoil donation
Summary
After closing the campus athletic field for safety reasons, trustees discussed contracting slice seeding and irrigation repairs, accepted donated topsoil, and noted a contractor quote of about $65,500 for remediation work.
Trustees were told the school closed its football and soccer field because the turf had become unsafe and unplayable. School leaders outlined a remediation plan that includes slice seeding with an athletic seed mixture, lime and fertilizer, irrigation repairs and contractor work where needed.
“Our plan was to keep this field closed for the spring season,” the chair said, explaining that heavy wear and drainage issues made the field unsafe. Board members discussed alternative practice and game sites; the superintendent said East Longmeadow and Easthampton fields were being used as alternatives for scheduled games.
A contractor estimate to complete the seeding and repairs was cited at about $65,500; much of the sprinkler head repair is being handled in‑house while other work will be contracted. Trustees thanked donors Brian and Lanna Hennessy for a large donation of topsoil (described at the meeting as roughly 120 yards) that is being used to fill low spots and improve the field surface.
Board members emphasized the need to prioritize school athletic programs and to limit outside use to allow the field to recover. The board also asked staff to report back on progress and costs as remediation work proceeds.
The board recorded the discussion and approved related routine motions later in the agenda.
