My grown children actively used our current fields playing youth soccer then later at Bromfield. When traveling to other towns for their games, I was struck by how almost every other town’s fields were in great condition. Coaches of teams playing in Harvard would sometimes complain about the condition of our fields because they were concerned about their athletes getting injured. Our fields were so overused that they never had a chance to rest and recover. A new playing field would give the town’s field managers this opportunity. This is similar to when farmers periodically fallow one of their fields to allow the soil to rejuvenate and restore fertility.
I was not surprised when the Harvard Field Needs Assessment that was presented a little over 18 months ago concluded that additional fields were needed. This was based on measured overuse by all users, not just the 35% associated with Bromfield. Our schools’ enrollment numbers are diminished by other available school choices. Furthermore, Harvard’s population has grown at a 5% rate according to the 495/MetroWest Partnership.
Field beneficiaries include townspeople of all ages and mobilities: adult Ultimate players, physically challenged people unable to navigate our many woodland trails, flea marketers selling their well-worn wares every October, our youngest preschool T-ball players, our many Bromfield varsity athletes, to name just a few.
Providing parklike, level, and safe outdoor spaces where people will not risk injury can only succeed when fields are not damaged from overuse and, like people, given some occasional time to gently rest. Lastly, this fiscally thoughtful project is funded from previously reserved monies.
If we believe in the importance of accessible, safe outdoor spaces that enable health and fitness, then the fields represent a worthwhile investment. Thank you to all who have doggedly worked on this issue for many years. Vote “yes” on Article 4 on Sept. 27.
Peter Foley
West Bare Hill Road
