Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree Announces Improvements Made at Stackpole Field to Enhance Playing Conditions for Saugus Youth

(Saugus, MA) July 25, 2019 – Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree is pleased to announce that a series of improvements has recently been made at Stackpole Field in order to improve the Town’s most frequently-used field for Saugus’ youth.

Eleven thousand square feet of sod was recently installed to benefit the many local sports teams that regularly use Stackpole Field to practice or complete in games by providing them with fuller, softer grass, more cushioning, and a reduced chance of injury. In addition, stone dust is being placed around the perimeter of the football field, and maintenance of the baseball diamond is underway.

Thousands of Saugus students and children rely on the use of Stackpole Field each year to practice and play football, lacrosse, field hockey, baseball, and cheerleading. These fields need to be in top condition in order to provide the Town’s young athletes with the best possible playing conditions.

Some of the many benefits of playing on a grass field include:

• Stress on joints is reduced by the cushioned and resilient layers of grass and soil;
• The traction you get while playing on grass is excellent;
• Reduces chance of injury by providing better absorption of impact;
• Improved oxygen flow; and
• Cooler, cleaner surface with a better appearance.

“We are proud to continue to maintain and improve our Town playing fields in order to provide our children and athletes with reliable and safe conditions,” said Town Manager Crabtree, who commended the Department of Public Works for taking proper care of the sod following its installation to ensure it flourishes. “The Town’s parks and playgrounds have and will continue to be a top priority of this administration and current Board of Selectmen.”

Earlier this month the Town Manager and Board of Selectmen announced that construction is underway at Evans School Playground in order to build two new, regulation-sized basketball courts, restore surrounding sidewalks, curbing, parking, and drainage, and implement security cameras and lighting to increase safety and security on the premises.

This $637,000 investment, which includes a comprehensive plan for reconfiguration of the space at the Evans Park, supports the Town’s dedication to continue to make in capital improvements throughout the community.

In 2017 a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held to celebrate improvements to Bristow Park, which feature a large, handicap-accessible play area with swings, slides, a seesaw, and more, as well as shade trees, seating, and a nearby water bubbler. The existing field was irrigated and now includes a 10-foot tall, 30-foot long lacrosse wall, and the Tee-ball field has been rehabilitated with a new infield, backstop, bleachers, and players’ benches. The park has been equipped with LED lights, and security cameras will be added to the park to increase safety and security. Also included in the park is a new basketball court, a bathroom, storage shed, and concession stand. The Park also features a series of workout stations from playground equipment company Landscape Structures.

Also in 2017, the Town replaced the old tennis courts at Belmonte Middle School with an expanded facility sized to accommodate tournament play. The new facility includes five tennis courts with one overlapping pickleball court, and wind screens. These courts are home to the Saugus High School tennis team, and are also available for residents’ enjoyment.

In 2016, a brand-new Veterans Memorial Elementary School playground was debuted to the residents of Saugus. This new, safer, brightly-colored playground features a large play area, wheelchair accessible inclusive playground equipment, new swings and a newly designed updated basketball court.

 “I would like to thank the Board of Selectmen, Finance Committee, Town Meeting, and residents of Saugus for their continued support of these important community initiatives,” concluded Town Manager Crabtree.

To learn more, please contact the Town Manager’s office at 781-231-4111.

About The Town of Saugus

The Town of Saugus, Massachusetts, is a family-friendly, historic neighborhood Town located along the north shore, ten miles north of Boston. First settled in 1629, Saugus is home to historic sites, top-tier public services, and a thriving business community. Strong community support, a forward-thinking approach to town government, rich recreational opportunities, affordable choices, and easy access to all the amenities that Boston has to offer – they all contribute to make Saugus a Town where businesses flourish and families make their home.

Follow Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree on Twitter and Instagram at @scottccrabtree, and visit his blog at www.saugustownmanager.tumblr.com.

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