Members of the Barrington Town Council will hit the road this month as they tour athletic fields and facilities in the area.

The tour is part of the town’s ongoing efforts to improve fields and facilities in Barrington. In May, the Barrington Town Council approved a $79,950 bid to Victus Advisors of Park City, Utah to “evaluate the need, demand, economics, site, and building options for a new recreation center/field house.”

The Council also approved a $69,750 bid to Traverse of Providence, to provide a thorough and detailed evaluation of Barrington’s athletic fields and areas where the town could improve its facilities.

At the July 24 Council meeting, Barrington Town Manager Phil Hervey offered the idea of a tour. Hervey said the tour would be held as a special meeting, open to the public. 

He suggested one of the tour stops could be at East Providence High School — that facility was constructed recently and features new synthetic turf fields, a new running track, and a fully-recyclable field behind the school, he said. 

Council President Carl Kustell liked the idea. Kustell said he has been to East Providence High School and seen the athletic facilities — “It’s impressive,” he added. 

Kustell said officials should also consider expanding the tour to include athletic courts. 

Kustell also spoke about another turf option — he said he recently learned about a material that combines natural grass with artificial nylon fibers. Kustell said the product offers better sustainability and durability. He cautioned that he needed to further study the hybrid turf product.

Hervey said one of the fields consultants working for the town has experience with the professional soccer fields in England, where those hybrid fields are used more commonly. Hervey said the consultant is very familiar with the product. 

It was a new technology not that long ago, but they’re everywhere in Europe now, Hervey said.  

The Town Manager said it would be worthwhile to include that option on the list of possible solutions for Barrington’s athletic fields. 

Council member Rob Humm said he was also in favor of touring athletic fields and facilities.