The “Minister of Fields” is still focused on improving Barrington’s athletic fields. 

Barrington Town Council Vice President Rob Humm, who spearheaded an effort to bring synthetic turf playing fields to town, said he was disappointed by the rejection of the two turf field referendum questions.

About 60 percent of Barrington residents who cast ballots rejected Questions 9 and 10 — Question 9 would have allowed for the construction of turf fields at Barrington Middle School, while Question 10 would have opened the door to install a turf field on a different, town-owned property. 

“I’m disappointed in the result, I think this is a missed opportunity to do something that would significantly benefit the fields in town. But the vote was clear,” Humm said.  

“The good news is that we still have $4.5 million to make significant improvements to our fields after decades of inaction.”

Humm, who earned the nickname “Minister of Fields” from Council President Carl Kustell, spoke about the condition of the town’s athletic fields often during Council meetings. He added “athletic fields” as a standing item on Council meeting agendas. Humm also played a key role in promoting the eventual passage of $4.5 million fields bond at the recent Financial Town Meeting. 

“The Town Council has already approved a 17-part plan to improve the fields – some of which have already occurred or are already underway in the design process, such as improving the grass fields and parking situation at Chianese Field,” Humm said. “Although a synthetic turf field is the single most beneficial thing we could have done to improve the fields, there are a number of alternative options that our field consultant presented that we can do to improve our fields throughout town.

“It will be important that the town makes these improvements in a sustainable way so that we’re not in the same position again in a few years.” 

A lengthy report completed by a fields consultant hired by the town stated that the construction of synthetic turf fields in Barrington would have allowed for town officials to rest the natural grass fields, thus improving playing surfaces across Barrington. The report also stated that one synthetic turf field is the equivalent of three to four natural grass fields, depending on whether the field is equipped with lights.

Meanwhile, the Barrington School Committee has recently hired a design firm to complete the plans for a renovated Victory Field athletic complex at the high school. The project will include a new synthetic turf multi-sport athletic field and a new track oval. The School Committee will use money from its capital reserve account to pay for the entire project. 

Humm said he is excited to see that project move forward.

“On the bright side, all the work bringing the need to improve the fields to the forefront was the impetus for the upcoming improvements to Victory Field at the high school,” Humm said. “These improvements are very much needed and will make the field and track there a terrific asset to the town.”   

Turf questions

• Question 9 — Synthetic turf field at the middle school

Reject — 6,014 — 59.9 percent

Approve — 4,026 — 40.1 percent

• Question 10 — Synthetic turf field at a town-owned property

Reject — 6,116 — 61 percent

Approve — 3,903 — 39 percent