Old Rochester begins improvements on athletic fields, gymnasium

MATTAPOISETT — After receiving $750,000 from former Rep. William Strauss and $30,000 from Rep. Mark Sylvia and Sen. Rodrigues, Old Rochester Regional High School is beginning improvements on their athletic fields and gymnasium.

The Old Rochester Regional School Committee met Thursday, Nov. 20 to discuss the future of the school’s athletic fields.

Superintendent Michael Nelson discussed five improvements that will happen during construction, including a well for an improved irrigation system and new grass on all the fields.

“Obviously there is no secret in terms of how incredible this opportunity is to improve our athletic fields,” said Nelson. “We are extremely grateful to get these one-time funds outside of our operating budget,” said Nelson.

Old Rochester is currently in the process of installing the well.

“As soon as that well is in, that doubles our capacity to irrigate,” said Athletic Director Chris Carrig.

With the renovations on the front field and back field carrying on into spring and next fall, Old Rochester teams will have to relocate for practices, including baseball and softball.

“Although I know [this] is a disruption, the investment in the time allowing the fields to rest and mature will be able to preserve them for use for years to come,” Nelson said.

Local landscaping company, Yard Boss, will be carrying out landscaping and engineering firm, Fieldworks Landscape Design Studio, will handle the project planning. 

This winter drilling for the new well and irrigation system will take place alongside adding an irrigation pump with completed electrical wiring. 

Varsity football and soccer are expected to carry on with their home games as usual.

The athletic department is currently in the process of reaching out to various athletics facilities and recreation groups in town to figure out where these teams will practice.

“We’re going to work with Tabor [Academy] to see if they can give our baseball team a few home games,” said Carrig.

Carrig also discussed potentially using the Dexter Lane Baseball Fields in Rochester and the Washburn Park Fields in Marion.

“We’re fortunate to have a lot of spaces in town,” he said.

In addition to the $750,000 allocated to the field renovations, Rep. Mark Sylvia and Sen. Michael Rodrigues secured $30,000 in state funding for Old Rochester gym renovations.

Roughly $20,000 of the funding was spent on a new gym divider and new electronic basketball hoop motors. Around $10,000 of the funding was spent on new gym mats that will pad the walls.

After years of wear and tear, Carrig emphasized the importance of these repairs for improved safety and functionality.

“We’re so thankful to Mark Sylvia to earmark that money as a freshman Congressman,” said Carrig. “He’s sticking his neck out for Old Rochester, his constituents and making sure we have the funding we need to make our gym safe and a little more beautiful every year.”