Mount Launches Campaign to Redesign, Rebuild Athletic “Fields of Dreams”
After more than five years of upgrading our buildings, Mount is now looking outward with a $2.5 million renovation of our athletic fields.
The “Fields of Dreams” project focuses on the upper field currently used for baseball and soccer. Plans call for new synthetic turf for soccer, lacrosse and baseball providing the opportunity to add field hockey in the future. The fields will include new scoreboards, spectator seating, a press box, dugout, batting cage, and permanent lighting for nighttime events. Softball will shift to the playing field at Bernon Heights Elementary School, which is also scheduled for renovation.
An anonymous $1 million gift launched the program. Construction is scheduled to begin March of 2024 and is scheduled for completion for the Fall of 2024.
In addition to supporting the athletic and physical education programs with better facilities, the Fields of Dreams program will also help with recruiting and retaining student athletes and earning income through rentals to community groups.
The fields’ primary function is obviously to create a high-performance environment for athletes. However, they are also our front yard, and we need them to make a good first impression when you drive onto campus, and from the street,” said President Alan Tenreiro. “The Fields of Dreams project accomplishes both. It brings our fields up to the highest performance standards and makes them an accurate reflection of our quality program and facilities.”
Fields of Dreams is the first major campaign focused on Mount’s grounds. Previous capital improvements have focused on facilities:
- A reinvented computer lab.
- Expanded library with cafe area, where students can gather to study and socialize after school
- New patio spaces for outdoor dining and events
- St. Josephus Hall, the dormitory building.
Fundraising for this exciting project is ongoing, with almost ⅔ of the project costs pledged to date. The Fund-A-Need at last year’s Gala raised approximately $36,000 towards Fields of Dreams with the remainder from private donations and grants from Bristol County Savings Bank Foundation, Coastal One Bank and the Class of 1971 Kickstarter Campaign. Interested supporters should contact Alan Tenreiro, ‘92, President or Lisa Lydon, Director of Advancement to discuss a gift.
