"We've been bursting at the seams," according to school board chair Scott Mackey, especially, he said, for the soccer and softball teams. Plans call for a new soccer field and a new softball field.
FIELD EXPANSION
The significant athletic field expansion will take place in and around where the current baseball field is located and push back towards the woods. The field upgrades will provide Harwood softball teams a place to play.
"We haven't been able to have softball teams play at school because we have no decent fields for them," Mackey said. The upgrades have been in the works for at least 10 years, according to Mackey.
A DECADE AGO
The school purchased the land adjacent to the current athletic facilities a decade ago, and if voters approve the bond at the November election, construction could begin as early as the spring, according to Mackey.
"We might want to wait until after the baseball season is over, if it passes. Who knows? Some teams might have to play in Waterbury," he continued.
MODEST IMPACT
The November ballot will ask the voters to approve a $2.5 million bond, that Mackey says "will have a pretty modest impact on taxpayers."
He estimates the upgrades to the athletic facilities will cost $15 to $18 per year for Valley towns, and about $12 per year for Duxbury residents. Taxes are higher in the Valley because the towns send students in grades 5 through 12 instead of 7 through 12.
The school board approved the item at their September 3 meeting, and will formalize it on the 17th.
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