Members of the School Committee are expected to discuss the future of Victory Field when they meet tonight, Thursday, July 18. The public portion of the meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. inside the Barrington Middle School student union.

The first three items listed under School Committee Business reference Barrington High School’s athletic complex and, more specifically, Victory Field. 

The “discuss and act” items include “Approval of capital improvements to Barrington High School Victory Field and Athletic Complex,” “RFP Design and Engineering for Improvements to Barrington High School Victory Field and Athletic Complex,” and “Establishment of a private funding campaign for Improvements to Barrington High School Victory Field and Athletic Complex.”

School officials have been discussing the condition of the district’s athletic fields for some time. At a meeting last month, Committee member TJ Peck discussed the need for improved athletic facilities. He said the track oval at Barrington High School is one of the worst in the state. He said Victory Field, which was originally built to accommodate football games only, has been playing host to multiple other sports for the last 25 years although the dimensions of the playing surface are “barely within regulation” and “not ideal.” 

Peck then unveiled a plan to improve the facilities. A rendering completed by Gale Associates showed a new synthetic turf multi-sport athletic field, a new eight-lane track, and two relocated light poles.

Peck said the synthetic turf field would feature the highest level shock-absorbing material. He also said it would be entirely recyclable and would feature the most environmentally-friendly infill.

As for paying for the project, Peck indicated that the district’s $5.8 million capital reserve account could be used. 

Peck said the total cost of the project, including designs and construction, was $4.5 million. 

The presentation shared by Peck pointed to three factors that supported the plan to improve the Victory Field complex: 1. The dire need of the facility; 2. An inflated capital reserve account that currently holds $5.8 million; and 3. The $250 million school buildings project which will be addressing the district’s construction needs. 

Other items on the School Committee meeting agenda: 

• Human Resource Position update

• Revised Employee Handbook update

• School Construction update

• Climate Resilient and Sustainable Schools Draft Report

• School Safety RFP Responses

• Barrington Middle School - Town Council Field Proposal

• First Read School Maintenance and Capital Expenditure Policy