Turf Fields Expected To Make Deadline Despite Rough Economic Times
By Erin Ellis ’10
News Staff Reporter
Five years ago, the Development Office and the Athletic Office began discussing Choate’s need for greater facilities to match the school’s dedication and appreciation for athletics. They envisioned two weatherproof turf fields equipped with stadium lights and bleacher seating to attract spectators and promote night games. “We really do need these fields,” says Dan Courcey, Executive Director of Development and Alumni Relations. “As we all know, New England weather can be such an inconvenience to sporting events. But these new fields were designed to protect against rain, snow, and sleet damage so that our teams could compete as scheduled.”
When the extensive project planning commenced, the Development Office anticipated that the fields would open in the fall of 2009. But a few months ago, this plan was pushed up when the school received all of its financial pledges. In turn, construction time was pushed up for earlier completion of the fields—the committees stated that building would begin in October 2008 and that the fields would open this spring. The pledges for the fields have been received on time and donors are presently making cash payments on these pledges
To date just over fifty percent of the $4 million needed to complete the project has been received. The remaining monies are expected to come later this academic year. In light of the current economic downturn and in recognition of the fact that an accelerated project completion date for the turf fields would entail that school needing to seek “bridge funding,” Choate has wisely made the prudent decision to revert this project back to its original construction time frame
In another sign of the times, Choate also indicate that only two of five expected construction bids, or prospective construction proposals, were submitted for this project. Mr. Courcey explained, “It’s in the school’s best financial interests to get more bids for this projects. Clearly we need more than two bids before we can start a construction project. The more [construction companies’] bids you have, the more competitive the project rates become and the school wins. Ideally, we want the bid that gives us a reasonable lowest price and the best service available. Choate now needs to be more prudent because of the economy, and we need to wait for more bids to get the most competitive offers out there.”
As for the remaining monies associated with the turf field project, the school has no doubts that monies will be collected in full and in time to complete this project. “An un-named trustee is funding the majority of this project. We know this person well and we can trust that funds will be here by the spring,” Mr. Courcey said. According to him, the fields will be completed by their original deadline next fall.
The new turf will replace these grass fields. PHOTO/marco walton ‘10
