The following is an update on the Track & Field project from the Wellesley Department of Public Works, and some important details from the Playing Fields Task Force. All photo credits to the DPW.

This from the DPW: The latest and most visible progress on the Track & Field project has been the installation of the synthetic carpet. Still to be finished: the work on the donor wall, sound system, flag pole, scoreboard, electric conduit, pedestrian footbridge, ticket booths, and landscaping. The project completion date is in mid-October.

In addition, an email to stakeholders from Tripp Sheehan, Chair, Playing Fields Task Force read in part:

On Tuesday, September 27, a number of Town officials and Town board volunteers met with Mark Heimlich, the contractor for the Hunnewell Track and Field project, to discuss the status of the project and to get an updated timeline for completion. Attendees included representatives of the School Committee, the Recreation Commission, and the Playing Fields Task Force, as well as School Superintendent David Lussier, Athletic Director John Brown, DPW Director Mike Pakstis, Town Engineer Dave Hickey, NRC Director Brandon Schmitt, and Town Counsel Tom Harrington. We determined that the field, track, and associated amenities are expected to be substantially complete (weather permitting) and ready for active use on October 22nd.

The group also discussed possible access to the field by sports teams prior to substantial completion, as defined by the contract. A number of factors were considered including the fact that the project is still an active construction site with associated public safety concerns and that taking “ownership” of the site from the contractor prior to substantial completion will present contractual, insurance, and permitting issues that may prejudice the Town’s interests. As a result of these concerns, the decision was made that no teams will be permitted to use the field prior to substantial completion of the project. We look forward to the anticipated opening of our new facility for active use on October 22nd.

We are so grateful for the way the community came together to make this project a reality and want to thank everyone who contributed their time and money to make it happen. Again, we completely understand the frustration and disappointment of those who desire to use the field now, but want to assure everyone that we are continuing to push hard to get this project completed as soon as possible.

We look forward to the completion of this project and hope that the community will enjoy our new track and field facility for years to come.

Here are some pics as the project moves toward completion:

The contractor installed several more feet of electric and data conduits along the east end of the field. These conduits will help provide service to the concession stand, ticket booths, donor wall, speakers, score board and walkway lighting.

Wellesley Track & Field project — The synthetic carpet installation has been completed. All that remains to be completed are the white line striping for the football field. The yellow line striping is for soccer.

Your comments and questions regarding the Wellesley High School Track & Field project are always welcome. Please call the Department of Public Works Engineering Division at 781-235-7600 x 3315 or email at gbruno@wellesleyma.gov.