What's Next for Foxborough's Turf Field Project?

Foxborough said “yes” at Tuesday’s Special Town Meeting to construct a turf field at the high school, green lighting the project to take the next step.

So, what is that next step?

Turf’s Up chair James DeVellis said it will be setting up a meeting with everyone in town that will be involved in and affected by the turf field.

“The first thing I want to do is have a meeting with all the school, coaches and directors to make sure I can hear exactly what their needs are,” DeVellis said. “With so many sports, age groups and summer leagues there will undoubtedly be an inconvenience at some level and short of dropping [the turf field] from a helicopter onto the area, something has to give. Hopefully, with everyone in one room, we can figure out a schedule and process to make the most accommodations.”

DeVellis said he will bring the coffee.

Schools Superintendent Debra Spinelli, who said earlier this week she is thrilled to see Foxborough’s youth will be getting a turf field, is looking forward to getting the project underway.

“We now begin the detailed transition planning for our sports teams as the fieldwork begins,” Spinelli said. “We are very excited to take this first step toward a full outdoor campus at our flagship high school and look forward to seeing the whole community enjoying the space in the future. The turf field will be a new source of Warrior Pride.” 

DeVellis said while he didn’t have an exact timeline for when he expects the project to be completed, he is hopeful it will be ready by fall 2013.

“Best case [scenario is] it is designed in the winter and bid for spring construction,” DeVellis said. “Obviously, if we build the baseball/softball area first in the back [of the high school] and let them finish their season in front [of the high school where the turf field will go], that works best for them but then the fall sports are impacted. … Lots to discuss.”