Voters approved $1.5 million for the track in 2010, but last month rejected a Proposition 2½ override to fund additional needs.
This is an artist's rendering of track and field renovations at East Longmeadow High School including the additional features.EAST LONGMEADOW – The athletic field at East Longmeadow High School is still on schedule to be completed by the end of the summer, but not with some additional features which the town rejected during the town election.
“The project is still on budget and on time, but we are going to have to look at new ways to get some of the things needed for the field,” said Gregory Thompson, School Committee Chairman and member of a turf committee, which has been involved with the new synthetic turf being built at the high school.
Voters approved $1.5 million for the track in 2010, but were asked for an additional $335,200 this year which they rejected.
“Unfortunately we did not have an exact idea of what the project would cost when we first asked for funds, so we had to come before the town to ask for money for some additional needs,” Thompson said.
The ballot question during the June 28 election asked residents to approve a Proposition 2½ override to fund additional needs for the field, including three water cannons, a vinyl fence, visitor bleacher seats, striping for the field, additional track and field equipment, lighting and a logo.
Thompson said the vinyl fence is very important because it keeps spectators off the field during games. The lights are also important for small ball sports like lacrosse and field hockey. The water cannons are necessary to cool the field.
“We requested the money because we think these extra things are necessary and important,” he said.
Additionally the track will not have a red coating on the top, which extends the life of the field and provides more cushioning.
“Once it’s laid down it can’t be changed, so we will have a black top track,” Thompson said.
He said the town is now looking at alternative ways to fund the project including sponsorship possibilities, private donations and more.
The project is being done by Green Acres Landscape and Construction Co., based in Lakeville.
Once completed, the track will be open to students as well as town residents for recreational use.