• Contact Us
  • Events calendar
Entering Swellesley
Pinnacle, Wellesley

The Swellesley Report

More than you really want to know about Wellesley, Mass.

  • Advertise
  • Wellesley Square
  • Deland, Gibson Insurance Athlete of the Week
  • Camp
  • Private schools, sponsored by Riverbend
  • Business index
  • Contribute
  • Eat
  • Schools
  • Top 10 things to do
  • Embracing diversity
  • Kids
  • About us
  • Events
  • Natick Report
  • Seniors
  • Letters to the editor
  • Guidelines for letters to the editor
  • Live government meetings
  • Raiders sports schedules & results
  • Fire & police scanner
  • 2023 Town Election
 
Needham Bank, Wellesley
Write Ahead, Wellesley

Search Results for: sprague field

Wellesley history: Part of Sprague Fields used to be a farm

December 8, 2022 by Bob Brown 1 Comment

Members of the Mulcahy family have appealed to the Wellesley Public Schools for permission to install a plaque at the Sprague Fields commemorating the family farm that used to be there.

The first stop for the family has been to present its case at the Wellesley Historical Commission, which discussed the topic most recently at its Nov. 14 meeting (see Wellesley Media recording, about 70 minutes in) after researching the farm’s history in prior weeks (it began discussing the request publicly in February). The Commission supports the family’s effort and plans to work with the School Department to nail down more specifics about the history, where the plaque might go, and what it might say.

Planner Ryan Griffis shared some of the history at the Historical Commission meeting. With military personnel returning from World War II in the mid-1940s, Wellesley saw its population growing and needed a new school. Town Meeting appointed a committee in 1944 to survey land for such a school and the following year made a recommendation to use the Mulcahy farm lot. Back-and-forth meetings, committees and referendums put that recommendation in doubt, but eventually the town went with the Mulcahy property.

According to a review of Wellesley Townsman archives, the town bought 10 acres of Mulcahy property for $21,500 for its new school project, which entailed demolishing the high school, and building a junior high school, plus surrounding playgrounds.

Griffis said “it was very contentious issue, which the entire town become involved over where to place its new school. It is now still a very active part of the community, so we do feel a plaque would be well placed.”

mulcahy
The Planning Department showed that the main Mulcahy farm house used to be where 2nd base is now on the Sprague baseball field (Screenshot of map shown during Wellesley Media recording of Wellesley Historical Commission’s Nov. 14 meeting)

 

Outgoing Planning Director Don McCauley added that the Mulcahy family’s history in town in that location went back until at least the mid-1800s, making them something of a “founding family” in Wellesley. One member of the family noted that the Mulcahys were connected to Dr. William T.G. Morton, a dentist who is memorialized dentist with a marker in front of town hall that celebrates the world’s first public demonstration of ether as an anesthetic in surgery in 1864.

One thing missing so far are actual pictures of the farm, which the family is trying to dig up as they digitize their collection.

Bob Mulcahy read very brief proposed language for the plaque, including that the property was bought by the town in 1948 and that the family moved to town in 1854. The town acquired the property via eminent domain, he said.

Charles Mulcahy said the property had been used as a family farm and included chickens, pigs, a cow, a horse, and a pond where some of the animals drank. The farm was adjacent to a dump that has been covered over with the turf fields at Sprague (Wellesley was known for having little dumps sprinkled here and there back in the day).

The Historical Commission suggested that more details would be appropriate for the eventual plaque.

“To me this is a very interesting story,” said Jacob Lilley, an Historical Commission member. “It’s personal to a lot of people here in town. There are very few places in town where so many people utilize a space on a daily basis and have the ability to potentially reflect on what was there and how it’s changed over time.”


  • Subscribe to Swellesley’s daily email
  • Please consider contributing to Swellesley to sustain our independent journalism venture

Filed Under: Education, History

Linden Square, Wellesley
Riverbend, Natick

Wellesley Police log: Businesses deal with break-ins, shoplifting; 911 call reveals underage party; Vehicle driven on Sprague Field; Expired inspection stickers a giveaway

May 4, 2022 by admin Leave a Comment

Wellesley Police DepartmentWellesley, MA police (back) log for the period of Feb. 15- (playing some catch-up here…):

Arrests

On March 3, 2022 at 6:30 p.m. Officer DiCenso was conducting traffic enforcement on Washington Street near Glen Road when she observed a Kia sedan with a broken headlight.  She stopped the vehicle on Washington Street near Pine Street.  She spoke with the operator and requested his license and registration.  A query of his information revealed there was an active warrant issued by the East Brookfield District Court for motor vehicle related offense.  He was taken into custody, transported to the station, booked in the usual manner, afforded all rights and later released on personal recognizance.

On March 4, 2022 at 12:29 p.m. Officer Cunningham was conducting traffic enforcement on Worcester Street when he observed a Hyundai with an expired inspection sticker and a temporary Texas registration.  He stopped the vehicle and spoke with the operator, and requested her license and registration.  A query of her information showed that her license was suspended and there was an active warrant issued by the Somerville District Court for motor vehicle related offenses.  She was taken into custody, transported to the station, booked in the usual manner, afforded all rights and later released.

On March 5, 2022 at 6:30 p.m. Officer Dixon was on patrol on Worcester Street when he observed a Chevrolet sedan with heavily tinted windows.  He queried the registration, which revealed that there was an active warrant for the registered owner.  He stopped the vehicle and spoke with the operator,  and confirmed she was the registered owner of the vehicle.  She was taken into custody, transported to the station, booked in the usual manner, afforded all rights and later bailed.

On March 6, 2022 at 10:45 p.m. Officer Dixon was parked along Washington Street when he observed a vehicle pass his location that did not have a valid inspection sticker.  He stopped the vehicle and spoke with the operator, and requested his license and registration.  The operator stated he did not have a driver’s license.  A query of his information showed that his license was suspended and there was an active warrant for his arrest issued by Boston District Court for motor vehicle related offenses.  He was taken into custody, transported to the station, booked in the usual manner, afforded all rights and later released on $400 bail.

Incidents

On February 15, 2022 at 6:00 a.m. an officer was dispatched to a business on Washington Street in the lower square area for a report of a past breaking and entering.  It appeared entrance had been gained through a rear door.   A small amount of cash was taken from the cash drawers.  Detectives responded to the scene to process it for any potential evidence.  The incident is under investigation.

On February 15, 2022 at 9:47 a.m. an officer was dispatched to a business on Washington Street in the lower square area for a report of a past breaking and entering.  The business owner stated an Apple desktop computer and approximately $2,300 in cash was taken.  Detectives responded to the scene to process it for any potential evidence.  The incident is under investigation.

On February 17, 2022 at 2:19 p.m. an officer spoke to a female party who stated she was parked at a business on Linden Street and an elderly female driver backed into her vehicle twice attempting to move from her parking space.  She stated there was no damage to either vehicle but she was concerned about the woman’s ability to safely operate a motor vehicle.  The officer will request a Medication Evaluation from the Registry of Motor Vehicles to evaluate the female party’s ability to continue to drive. 

On February 17, 2022 at 3:16 p.m. an officer spoke to a male reporting party stated $1,500 had inadvertently been sent to the wrong cell phone number on February 12th.  The reporting party stated when they initially contacted Bank of America on February 12th they were advised that the funds would not go through because the phone number and name did not match.  On February 14th they were advised that Zelle payments are non-refundable.  They requested that the officer make contact with the individual who the payment was sent to.  The officer left a message for the individual and contacted the Hughson Sheriff’s Department to assist with contacting the individual who received the $1,500.

On February 17, 2022 at 4:15 p.m. an officer was dispatched to the Bacon Street Bridge for a report of offensive graffiti under the bridge.  He located some newly painted graffiti on both sides of the bridge.  The Department of Public Works was notified to remove the graffiti.

On February 18, 2022 at 8:53 a.m. a female reporting party stated that she had agreed to pay a male party $50 each way to a doctor’s appointment in Boston.  The male party drove him a total of 7 times in November and December.  The reporting party noticed the credit card used had several purchases made in November and December totaling over $5,000 in November and December.  The male party will be charged with Larceny over $1,200.  

On February 18, 20222 at 1:50 p.m. an officer spoke to a female reporting party regarding contractors who were doing work at her home that she felt might be attempting to scam her due to the quality of their work and their lack of knowledge.  Officers spoke with the contractors on scene and determined they were not properly licensed.  An Investigator for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Industrial Accidents responded and issued a stop work order.  

On February 19, 2022 at 1:43 p.m. an officer spoke with a dog walker who stated she found some jewelry laying on the sidewalk.  The items were placed in secure storage until the owner can be identified.

On February 19, 2022 at 2:34 p.m. an officer was dispatched to the area of Worcester Street at Fire Headquarters for a report of a minor motor vehicle crash and road rage incident.  The vehicles continued to travel west into Natick and were stopped by Route 27 by the Natick Police.  An officer spoke with both drivers and learned that the operator of a Toyota sedan thought he had

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Crime, Police

Page Waterman, Wellesley
London Harness, Wellesley
Wellesley Lacrosse

Wellesley Police log: Unemployment fraud reports pour in; Sprague Fields vandalized; ex-tenant taking dumpster liberties

June 3, 2020 by Bob Brown Leave a Comment

Wellesley police stationWellesley, Mass., police report for the week of May 26-30:

Arrests

On March 3, 2020 at 11:30 p.m. Officer DeBernardi was conducting traffic enforcement on Worcester Street.  He observed black Toyota sedan traveling at a high rate of speed and confirmed the vehicle’s speed to be 66 mph in a 50 mph zone.  He entered the roadway and queried the vehicle’s registration which revealed the registration plates belonged to a Volkswagen sedan and were expired.  It was later determined that the Toyota sedan had been stolen in Natick earlier in the day.  The vehicle slowed to approximately 25-30 mph and turned right onto Kirkland Circle.  The vehicle then turned into the driveway of a residence on Kirkland Circle the passenger of the vehicle exited the vehicle and ignored verbal commands to return to the vehicle.  He then fled the area on foot.  The driver of the vehicle was taken into custody.  He agreed to speak with officers regarding the stolen vehicle.  Officers continued to investigate the incident and were able to positively identify the passenger as a 17-year-old male party.   On March 3, 2020 the two male parties had stopped at a store in Framingham.  Officers viewed video surveillance footage and were able to identify the juvenile.  The juvenile was taken into custody on May 28, 2020.  He was transported to the station, booked in the usual manner, afforded all rights and released on personal recognizance to a parent.

On May 28, 2020 at 6:23 p.m. Officer Misho was dispatched to a 2-car motor vehicle accident on Worcester Street at Audubon Road.  The operator of the 1st vehicle involved indicated that the female operator had side swiped his vehicle.  Officer Misho noticed that she was unsteady on her feet, was unaware she had struck the other vehicle and believed she was in Newton.  She agreed to take some reasonable tests of balance and coordination to determine if she was able to safely operate a motor vehicle.  She was unable to successfully pass these tests.  She was taken into custody, transported to the station, booked in the usual manner, afforded all rights and later released on personal recognizance.

Incidents

The Wellesley Police Department took 24 complaints of fraudulent unemployment filings from residents during the week of May 25th through May 31st.

On May 26, 2020 at 12:27 p.m. Officer Cunningham spoke with a female reporting party who stated she received bank checks in the mail for an account she did not open.  She contacted the bank and closed the account.  Officer Cunningham advised her to notify the credit reporting bureaus and to monitor her credit for any fraudulent activity.

On May 27, 2020 at 11:32 a.m. Officer Cunningham was dispatched to Central Street for a report of a male party yelling at people.  The male party was intoxicated.  A family member agreed to assume care for the male party while was under the influence of alcohol.

On May 28, 2020 at 9:30 a.m. Officer Mankavech spoke with a female reporting party regarding multiple attempts to open fraudulent credit cards using her personal information.  She stated there were 7 attempts, all accounts have been closed and her family did not suffer any financial loss.  She subscribes to LifeLock and was advised by them to notify the Federal Trade Commission and to file a police report.

On May 29, 2020 at 2:42 a.m. Officer Dennehy was dispatched to the area of Worcester Street for a report of a female party who was making suicidal statements.  Officer Dennehy located the female party and the family member who reported the situation.   The female party refused to speak with the officers.  She was transported to a local hospital for evaluation and the department social worker will be notified of the incident so she can follow up with the family.

On May 29, 2020 at 5:15 a.m. Officer Gerard was dispatched to the Sprague Fields for a report of vandalism.  An employee of the Town of Wellesley Facilities Maintenance Department informed Officer Gerard that 3 portable toilets had been turned over on their side.  Additionally, the back of the maintenance building was spray painted with initials.  There are no suspects.

On May 29, 2020 at 1:15 p.m. Officer Mankavech spoke with a resident that wished to turn in an old firearm that the family no longer wished to have in their residence.  The firearm was marked for destruction and will be securely stored until it can be properly destroyed.

On May 30, 2020 at 12:13 p.m. Officer Rosenberg spoke with a landlord of a building on Washington Street for a report of illegal dumping of trash.  The landlord indicated that a former tenant was utilizing the dumpster behind the apartment complex to dispose of trash.  The landlord will issue a letter of no trespass to the former tenant.

More: Past Wellesley Police logs

police log ad

Filed Under: Crime, Police

Sara Campbell, Wellesley

Wellesley’s Sprague fields: They’re getting there

March 16, 2020 by Bob Brown Leave a Comment

Wellesley was bursting last summer with new sports field projects. Dana Hall put one in, Wellesley College replaced the one inside its outdoor track, and the new Boston Sports Institute installed an indoor one. Two new Sprague turf fields, part of a $1M makeover, were also being rolled out…and they still are

All of which has residents asking: What the heck’s going on with the Sprague fields?

We’ve heard some colorful stories about how all this has gone down, but Playing Force Task Field or Recreation Commission meeting minutes were of little use on that front. So much for our “Turf Wars!” headline.

We would have dug a bit deeper on all this, but with queries from readers coming in about the fields, we figured it was best to get an update posted sooner than later.

What follows is a straightforward account from Dave Hickey, Wellesley town engineer, who is optimistic the Sprague field replacement project will be finished soon. “We are up and running as fast as we can on this project,” he says.

sprague field
Sprague field (March 7)

 

Whether Wellesley spring sports teams will be able to take advantage of the fields right away should have more to do with ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) precautions than the condition of the fields. Gov. Charlie Baker has ordered all schools closed through April 7 and the town has declared all playing fields off limits for the time being. The organization that oversees school sports in the state has pushed off the start of the spring sports season to April 27 at the earliest.

The replacement fields being installed last summer “did not meet all of the requirements of the project specifications and are therefore being replaced, at the expense of the contractor,” Hickey says. “At this point the fields being removed are ‘like-new’ and we understand the contractor will move them to their warehouse as they investigate options to resell and re-install them at another site.”

sprague field

The original Sprague field, installed more than 10 years, may have wound up being re-purposed at a site in Florida. “While the project specifications didn’t require that the old field be recycled or repurposed, it was a comment we heard from many in Wellesley and we were informed originally that it would be recycled and shortly thereafter that it would be repurposed,” Hickey says. “We are hoping to get a statement to that affect soon.”

Some work on the new installation in Wellesley took place in February as weather conditions allowed. Paint removal, installation of temporary fencing, etc.

“The more involved work such as the extraction and the re-install has been going on for the last 2 weeks and is expected to go on for about 2 more weeks, weather dependent,” Hickey wrote to us on March 11.

Wellesley’s looking to get the job done by March 20. “There is a chance that portions of the fields, and in all likelihood the painted line striping will not be done by the 20th, but we are giving it our best effort,” Hickey says.

sprague field

donate box love local

Subscribe to The Swellesley Report’s daily email

Filed Under: Sports

Wellesley Police log: Gold necklace missing; Sprague field fight; driver of stolen car stopped

March 11, 2020 by Bob Brown Leave a Comment

Wellesley police stationWellesley Police log for the week of 3/2-3/7:

Arrests

On March 3, 2020 at 11:30 p.m. Officer DeBernardi was conducting traffic enforcement on Worcester Street when he observed a Toyota sedan traveling at a rate of 66 mph in a 50 mph zone. A query of the registration came back as expired to a Volkswagon sedan. He attempted to stop the vehicle after it turned onto Kirkland Circle. The vehicle pulled into a driveway of a residence and the passenger fled from the vehicle and ignored verbal commands given by Officer DeBernardi to stop. The operator of the vehicle was identified. Officer DeBernardi provided the Emergency Communications Center with the vehicle identification number of the Toyota. The query of the VIN showed that it had been stolen from a vehicle carrier in Natick on March 3rd. The driver stated the vehicle belonged to the passenger who had fled and was only able to provide a first name for him and indicated he had just met him that evening. A Massachusetts State Police K-9 Officer and K-9 assisted with a search for the passenger in the area. He was not located. The driver was taken into custody, transported to the station, booked in the usual manner, afforded all rights and later released on personal recognizance.

On March 6, 2020 at 10:56 p.m. Officer Harris was at the intersection of Worcester Street and Washington Street when he observed a Honda traveling in the left lane drift into the right lane almost striking another vehicle. He observed the vehicle weaving back and forth within the left travel lane as well as slow to approximately 40 mph and then suddenly speed up to approximately 60 mph. The vehicle then nearly struck the curb and abruptly corrected. Officer Harris stopped the vehicle on Worcester Street near Ottaway Circle and directed the driver to put the vehicle in park. She repeatedly put the vehicle in neutral, drive and reverse and was unable to place it in park. Officer Harris asked her for her license and the vehicle registration. She attempted to hand Officer Harris a phone charger and a tube of hand lotion instead of her license. Officer Harris noted that her movements were slow and lethargic and her eyes were glassy and bloodshot. She agreed to take some reasonable tests of balance and coordination to determine if she was safely able to operate a motor vehicle. She was unable to successfully pass these tests. She was taken into custody, transported to the station, booked in the usual manner, afforded all rights and later released on personal recognizance.

Incidents

On March 2, 2020 at 12:45 p.m. Officer Cunningham spoke with a female party who stated that she had check her credit report and found that a Verizon account had been opened in her name and was in collection. The reporting party stated the unknown individual used her name and email address to open the account. She contacted Verizon and advised them that she did not open this account. They told her to provide a police report and they would remove the charges. Officer Cunningham contacted Verizon’s fraud unit to attempt to investigate and they stated they would not provide any information regarding the fraudulent account.

On March 2, 2020 at 6:45 p.m. Officer Barros spoke with a female party regarding a gold necklace that was stolen from her residence. The reporting party stated she hired a cleaning company in late January and that on February 5th a female party cleaned her house and she noticed the necklace

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Crime, Police

Deland, Gibson, Wellesley
Rick Cram, leader

Wellesley sports news update: synthetic turf fields project at Sprague Fields

June 18, 2019 by Deborah Brown Leave a Comment

The school year is over and the last yellow bus has rolled out of the Sprague School parking lot. Now it’s time for the heavy equipment to roll in for the Sprague Fields Turf Replacement project. Starting Tuesday, June 18  over a period of 8 – 10 weeks, the two synthetic fields that are part of the heavily used five-fields area will undergo a $1 million replacement and maintenance update. The synthetic fields, used for football, soccer, field hockey, and lacrosse, are referred to as Sprague 2 and 3, and are located between Sprague Elementary School and Wellesley Middle School. Those two fields originally were constructed June – October 2008 and are the ones that will be replaced.

Sprague Field, Wellesley
This is the east corner of Field 2, looking toward Field 3.

The three grass fields will not undergo maintenance work, and there are no plans at this time to convert the grass fields in the Sprague complex to synthetic turf.

According to the Department of Public Works (DPW), the fields will remain closed and inaccessible during most of the summer months. The project will involve removal and replacement of the synthetic turf, reinstalling the Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE) and sand infill, and painting of the field lines. The lead coordinator for the project is NET Sports Group. It is anticipated that the fields will reopen sometime in August, 2019.

Why replace the Sprague synthetic fields?

We stopped by the fields back in January and it was clear that in many areas the turf fibers were matted, and in some areas the thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) and sand infill was starting to become visible. There also was significant wear in high-impact areas. It seemed clear at that time that the fields were due for an upgrade. Given that the life expectancy of such fields is 8 – 10 years, the upcoming maintenance was not unexpected.

The town has opted to stick with using TPE, the same fill material as was used during the 2008 construction of the fields, citing positive user feedback and the potential to reclaim and reuse some of the material. Here are a couple of pics from January 2019:

Wellesley Sprague Field 2
Swellesley file photo: January 2019. Small grey plastic pellets and yellow threads had heaved up all over the Sprague synthetic fields. I picked up some of the material and set it on a picnic tabletop to get this picture.
Wellesley Sprague Field 2
Swellesley file photo: January 2019. In sections of Wellesley Sprague Field 2, determined weeds were poking through the synthetic material.

What happens when no one wants to play with you anymore

According to Dave Hickey, Town Engineer, “We can now confirm that our existing carpet (not the backer pad) will be 100% recycled and the Town will get a certification to that effect. This is apparently a growing component of the turf carpet manufacturing industry.”

Athletic Director John Brown said, “Since 2008 these have been the best fields around and we know the same will be true when they are completed in August. We are excited to start practicing and playing on the new surface. When we initially built the turf fields with the TPE infill they were the first fields done with this product in the United States. Our opponents and officials have all commented what a great surface we have. We look forward to the new turf and to be back playing on two brand new surfaces next fall.”

There will be some inconvenience associated with the project. Hickey said, “This work will shut down all access to Sprague 2 & 3, and the area immediately around it. The contractor will use the parking lot for vehicles and occasionally for material storage, so there will be some loss of parking. Playing on the other fields, such as baseball and tennis, can continue with hopefully little disruption. The contractor will install temporary fencing to keep the area safe during the work. To keep our fairly aggressive schedule this work has been allowed to have Saturday activity.”

The money, then and now

In 2008, the Wellesley Community Preservation Committee (CPC) ponied up $1.5 million of the total $4 million installation cost of the Sprague synthetic fields. This time around, CPC funds are not available because maintenance work is not eligible for such funding. Instead, the Turf Replacement Fund is kicking in $500,000 of the cost. The remaining $500,000 comes from Town Funds, as approved at the May 2019 Town Meeting. Exact cost of the contract with NET Sports for this project: $1,050,612.12. (We hear there was mighty haggling over that last twelve dollars and twelve cents, but in the end NET Sports prevailed.)

Once the $500,000 is transferred from the Turf Replacement Fund, the balance of that account will fall to about $20,000. Hickey said, “This fund will now start accumulating for the next turf replacement project, likely the current two-year old high school turf.” That turf likely has over five more years of use left in it.

The account gains deposits from a portion of the fees on activities, youth sports, rentals, and Recreation Department permitted events. In this way, those who use the fields pay to do so.

The contractors

The town says that Gale Engineering out of Weymouth, Massachusetts responded in December 2018 with the best proposal and was hired to serve as technical adviser. The Town did as much of the plan and project specification as it could and then teamed with Gale to bring current and specialized knowledge. Gale will continue to assist the Town during the shop drawing review and a key stages of the construction work, mostly with things such as materials testing.

NET Sports Group — who has installed fields at Bates College, Bentley University, Lawrence High School, Northeastern University, and more — will do the construction. Heimlich Construction will be a subcontractor to NET for portions of the demo and fine grading. NET and Heimlich are the same team that did the High School Track and Field project.

The Town’s representative for this engagement is David Hickey, P.E., Town Engineer, Department of Public Works, Engineering Division. Questions or comments regarding the project may be directed to him at (781) 235-7600, ext. 3310 or dhickey@wellesleyma.gov

There’s always another project to be done

Next up for a facelift: the Sprague complex tennis courts. The DPW has obtained the permits and completed the bidding documents for a tennis courts replacement project. Hickey said, “In fact the bids are due later this week. While there is no specific schedule yet, it is our hope that the tennis court project will start in early August and be complete by the end of October.”

More to come on that as information becomes available.

MORE:

Sprague synthetic turf fields to get a facelift, our January 2019 story

Filed Under: Construction, Sports, Sprague Elementary School

Wellesley sports news: Sprague synthetic turf fields to get a facelift

January 10, 2019 by Deborah Brown 1 Comment

It may seem like only yesterday that two of the five Sprague Fields were converted from grass to synthetic, but a decade flies by when kids are having fun playing sports. Now the heavily used fields, originally constructed in June – October 2008,  are due for maintenance to the tune of $1 million.

The synthetic fields are referred to as Sprague 2 and 3, and are located between Sprague Elementary School and Wellesley Middle School. The fields are part of a playing field complex that is used for school sports and Recreation Department permitted events including football, soccer, field hockey, lacrosse, baseball, and tennis.

Wellesley Sprague Field 2
Wellesley Sprague Field 2

In fair condition

In September 2017 a Civil Field Report of the fields’ condition commissioned by the Town was conducted by Gale Engineering. The report noted that the existing field carpet is in fair condition and showing signs of wear and recommended that it be replaced. Specifically, in many areas the turf fibers are matted, and in some areas the thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) and sand infill is starting to become visible. Although the turf fibers are not excessively degraded (for example, when rubbed by hand they don’t break easily or come loose), there is significant wear in high-impact areas. The Town expects the project will include replacing the turf, reinstalling the TPE and sand infill, and repainting the lines, hopefully with minimal disruption to field use and the surrounding area.

Materials matter

It is most likely that the Town will stick with using TPE, the same fill material as was used during the 2008 construction of the project. The Town’s representative for the project, Town Engineer David Hickey, says, “Our preference for TPE is based on three things, first the research that was done with our first project, pointing us to TPE, and which is still relevant, next the user feedback which has been very favorable and lastly the potential to reclaim/reuse some material.”

Wellesley Sprague Field 3
Wellesley Sprague Field 3

Another popular material used for synthetic field fill is loose tire crumb, however questions have been raised by the public about that material’s possible association with various health and environmental hazards. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says that limited studies have not shown elevated health risks from playing on fields with tire crumb. Still, the EPA is concerned enough about potential hazards to have committed, along with the Centers for Disease Control, to further study the possible effects of tire crumb exposure on human health. The Town has elected to stay away from the material, and there are no fields in Wellesley that are constructed using loose tire crumb.

Athletic Director John Brown said, “We are excited that we will be replacing the turf surfaces at Sprague Field this summer. The complex at Sprague has been great for all of our athletic programs in Town. When we initially built the turf fields with the TPE infill they were the first fields done with this product in the United States. We have found it to be tremendous. Our fields are the very best in the State. Our opponents and officials have all commented what a great surface we have. We have since used the same infill on the Stadium Field. We look forward to the new turf and to be back playing on two brand new surfaces next fall.”

I stopped by both the Sprague Fields and the Wellesley High School Stadium Field, and the difference is definitely noticeable. The WHS field, which was completed in 2016, has none of the fibers-matting issues that are clearly visible at Sprague. In addition, the fill materials at WHS have stayed put, whereas small, gray plastic pellets and yellow threads have surfaced at the Sprague fields (below).

Wellesley Sprague Field 2
TPE fill materials are in evidence on the surfaces of both Sprague Field 2 & 3.
Wellesley Sprague Field 2
In sections of Wellesley Sprague Field 2, determined weeds are poking through the synthetic material.

A summer project

The project is expected to start and end during summer 2019 over a period of 8 – 10 weeks.

There are no plans at this time to convert the three grass fields in the Sprague complex to synthetic turf.

Although only the two turf fields will undergo maintenance, Hickey says some of the other areas in the Sprague complex will be impacted for access, material storage and stockpile, “but we are hoping to minimize the impact to adjacent facilities.”

Unlike in 2008, when the Wellesley Community Preservation Committee (CPC) ponied up $1.5 million of the total $4 million cost of the project, none of the estimated $1 million cost of the 2019 project will come from the CPC  because maintenance work is not eligible for such funding. However, Hickey says the Town has a turf replacement fund that envisioned the fields’ maintenance needs and that it will be tapped to assist with the cost of the project.

Youth sports programs will also kick in some of the funds, but not in an overt fundraising sort of way. Part of the fees paid with typical permits or user fees goes toward the cost of keeping up the field.

Additional funding is likely to come from a capital project request, meaning borrowing. It is not yet known how that borrowing would be structured.

Putting together an “ask”

The Town put out a Request for Proposals for engineering services for the replacement of synthetic fields at Sprague Field in early 2018, with a deadline of December 21, 2018. All proposals were required to include plans, permits, and construction specifications, along with a fixed price fee for all work contemplated.

According to Town Engineer David Hickey, out of four consultant firms that put in proposals, “Gale Engineering, out of Weymouth, Massachusetts, the original consultant for both the Sprague fields and the more recent High School project, responded with the best proposal.”

There are still steps to go through before the contract is awarded, however. Hickey says, “It will be subject to the typical public procurement bidding process. We need to move pretty quickly, our goals are to have the consultant under contract by the end of January, and then produce the final technical documents by the end of February, so bidding can occur in March, hopefully fitting into a narrow construction summer window.”

The Town’s representative for this engagement will be David Hickey, P.E., Town Engineer, Department of Public Works, Engineering Division. Questions or comments regarding the project may be directed to him at (781) 235-7600, ext. 3310 or dhickey@wellesleyma.gov.

Sprague Field work, July 2008

 

Sprague Field work, August 2008

Wellesley College turf field also to be replaced

Not to be outdone by the townies, Wellesley College will this summer also replace their turf field and put in new lights. Big-time donors Alice Lehmann Butler, Wellesley College Class of  1953 and her husband, John Butler, Babson College Class of 1952 are kicking in major funds to make it happen, along with others.

Filed Under: Construction, Government, Sports, Sprague Elementary School, Wellesley Middle School

Next Page »

Tip us off…

Please send tips, photos, ideas to theswellesleyreport@gmail.com

 

Advertisements

Wellesley Square, Wellesley Merchants
Wellesley, Jesamondo
Beacon Hill Athletic Club, Wellesley
Fay School, Southborough
Sexton test prep
Feldman Law
Wellesley Theatre Project
Volvo
Cheesy Street Grill
Mature Caregivers
Admit Fit, Wellesley
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
Never miss a post with our free daily Swellesley Report email
Name: 
Your email address:*
Please wait...
Please enter all required fields Click to hide
Correct invalid entries Click to hide

You can subscribe for free, though we appreciate any contribution that supports our independent journalism.

Click on Entering Natick sign to read our Natick Report

Entering Natick road sign

Most Read Posts

  • Letters-to-the-editor day in Wellesley—important election-time updates
  • Wellesley business buzz: Board business liaison phased out; Help ID top business leaders of color; Hospital taps new president
  • Wellesley Cotillion makes a strong comeback
  • Business buzz: Nantucket wine bar to boast Wasik's cheeses; Needham Bank has new Wellesley branch manager; Thanks to new sponsor Beacon Hill Athletic Clubs
  • Wellesley Veterans Parade will be one big wonderful Tea Party

Upcoming Events

Jan 31
9:00 am - 11:00 am Recurring

Coffee and Conversation with the Wetlands Administrator and Staff

Jan 31
7:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Families Eat Together online presentation

Feb 1
11:59 pm

Deadline for Wellesley Hills Junior Women’s Club grants application

Feb 3
10:00 am - 6:00 pm

Sara Campbell winter warehouse sale

Feb 4
10:00 am - 6:00 pm

Sara Campbell winter warehouse sale

View Calendar

Popular pages

  • Wellesley’s 7 official scenic roads

Recent Comments

  • David B on Does Wellesley need a new traffic light? Slow down before you drive to any conclusions
  • LADY WELLESLEY on Wellesley police officer injured in crash at intersection of Grove and Benvenue
  • Peggy Heffernan on Wellesley police officer injured in crash at intersection of Grove and Benvenue
  • Beth Dublin on Wellesley police officer injured in crash at intersection of Grove and Benvenue
  • Erika on Where to buy the Wellesleyest stuff in Wellesley

Links we like

  • Danny's Place
  • Great Runs
  • Jack Sanford: Wellesley's Major League Baseball Star
  • Tech-Tamer
  • The Wellesley Wine Press
  • Universal Hub
  • Wellesley Sports Discussion Facebook Group

Categories

  • 2021 Town Election (24)
  • 2023 Town Election (2)
  • Animals (428)
  • Antiques (49)
  • Art (592)
  • Beyond Wellesley (52)
  • Books (376)
  • Business (1,556)
  • Camp (10)
  • Careers/jobs (53)
  • Churches (82)
  • Clubs (236)
  • Construction (300)
  • Dump (130)
  • Education (3,189)
    • Babson College (252)
    • Bates Elementary School (18)
    • Dana Hall School (36)
    • Fiske Elementary School (11)
    • Hardy Elementary School (47)
    • Hunnewell Elementary School (46)
    • MassBay (57)
    • Schofield Elementary School (26)
    • Sprague Elementary School (19)
    • St. John School (2)
    • Tenacre Country Day School (11)
    • Upham Elementary School (35)
    • Wellesley College (613)
    • Wellesley High School (996)
    • Wellesley Middle School (204)
  • Embracing diversity (84)
  • Entertainment (814)
  • Environment (772)
  • Fashion (144)
  • Finance (15)
  • Fire (173)
  • Food (358)
  • Fundraising (641)
  • Gardens (164)
  • Government (604)
    • 2020 Town Election (47)
    • 2022 Town Election (15)
  • Health (866)
    • COVID-19 (203)
  • Hikes (6)
  • History (399)
  • Holidays (440)
  • Houses (162)
  • Humor (47)
  • Kids (867)
  • Law (8)
  • Legal notices (10)
  • Letters to the Editor (71)
  • Media (72)
  • METCO (4)
  • Military (13)
  • Morses Pond (109)
  • Music (579)
  • Natick Report (30)
  • Neighbors (280)
  • Obituaries & remembrances (86)
  • Outdoors (655)
  • Parenting (63)
  • Police (778)
    • Crime (395)
  • Politics (554)
  • POPS Senior Profile (10)
  • RDF (6)
  • Real estate (344)
  • Religion (138)
  • Restaurants (340)
  • Safety (155)
  • Scouts (2)
  • Seniors (127)
  • Shopping (163)
  • Sponsored (6)
  • Sports (1,012)
    • Athlete of the Week (12)
  • STEM (108)
  • Technology (165)
  • Theatre (397)
  • Town Meeting (23)
  • Transportation (240)
  • Travel (17)
  • Uncategorized (1,244)
  • Volunteering (350)
  • Weather (179)
  • Wellesley Election 2019 (21)
  • Wellesley Free Library (280)
  • Wellesley Holiday Gift Guide (2)
  • Wellesley's Wonderful Weekend (20)

© 2023 The Swellesley Report
Site by Tech-Tamer · Login