Old Rochester athletic field construction continues, causes closures through next year

MATTAPOISETT— Construction is underway on the Old Rochester Regional High School athletic fields, bringing improvements to the space.

The school is using $750,000 in funds former state Rep. William Straus secured the district as part of a 2022 economic development bill. 

The project includes refurbishing the school's baseball and softball fields and installing a new irrigation system to restore a large portion of the athletic complex and ensure its long-term durability.

These facilities are primarily used by high school athletic teams, but are also used by youth recreational leagues and other groups in the Tri-towns.

The school committee and administration have worked with Fieldworks Landscape Design Studio, a Weymouth-based landscape architectural firm, to plan and manage the construction. This work has been divided into five tasks, of which the first is nearing completion. 

Once an irrigation well to supply water for the complex has been drilled, the next four tasks will be completed through the spring. 

A pump, irrigation pipes and electrical supply for the well will be installed in the winter, and reconstruction of the softball field will be completed in the spring. 

Because the work involves planning and growing grass, and new turf must establish strong root systems before use, the athletic fields will remain unavailable for use from now through spring 2027.

District leaders are planning alternate arrangements for high school teams during this period, including adjusted schedules and potential use of other fields in the Tri-Town area.