In these times of fiscal controls, it is difficult to find ways to get things done. I want to take a moment to acknowledge the collaborative effort on display last week on the Hildreth Elementary School playground field along Massachusetts Avenue.
For those of us who were in town over vacation week, we had the opportunity to observe a major project being completed during the middle of the winter when this type of field work is typically impossible. The HES field is used for two Harvard Athletic Association Softball teams, three Bromfield softball teams, one fall softball team, and the adult softball games that are played on Sunday mornings.
A regulation softball field is a skin field with no infield. Our field was a relic from many years ago when softball was played on a Little League baseball field. Our field was literally the only field left that did not conform. From Maine to Maryland, from Acton to Ayer, Lowell, and Fitchburg—everyone plays on a skin field except our teams. I am not exaggerating.
Through the collaborative efforts of public and private organizations, the project was completed, saving $10,000 to $12,000. Parks and Recreaction took the lead and with the outstanding support from Rich Nota from the highway department, Joe Cannoli, field supervisor, Bob Meldin from field maintenance, and Tanner Cole from Gatsby Grounds, we now have a beautiful regulation softball field the kids can be proud of.
On behalf of HAA Softball and Bromfield Softball, I want to personally thank everyone who helped make this happen. It was a great model of community teamwork in action that could not have happened without the knowledge, commitment, and collaboration of everyone involved.
Pat Nelson
Harvard Athletic Association Softball Coordinator
