Ceremonial Groundbreaking Held for Track and Athletic Field at Canton High School

While the work on the Canton High School track, athletic field at Canton High School has already begun, students and construction crew members joined town and school officials for a ceremonial groundbreaking Tuesday afternoon. 

Board of Education chairwoman Leslee Hill began her remarks by noting the work of 12 volunteers who in June 2010 began studying the feasibility of such a project. 

She said the conclusion of their report said it perfectly:

“It is our recommendation that the Board of Education, in conjunction with the Board of Selectmen, begin to create a project outline and road map to implementation," that report stated. "While the cost of the project is significant, the cost to benefit ratio and return on investment is great. We are certain this community addition will provide enjoyment and delight for every aspect of our population, making this a wonderful town asset for generations to come.” 

From there, the project went through numerous steps until finally voters last fall approved bonding as much as $3.6 million for the project.  

On Tuesday, first selectman Richard Barlow noted the success the track and field teams have had without a facility.

"When you win state titles without a track, the pressure's going to be on when you have one," Barlow said. 

Hill said it started with a vision from those volunteers, which included the late Mark Quattro. 

"We would not be here today without the hard work of community leaders who saw beyond the here-and-now and looked into the future," she said. "They envisioned a town asset that would be a gathering place, not only for current Canton High School and Middle School students, but also alumni, youth sports teams, families, seniors, and anyone who wished to pursue healthy recreation, or simply enjoy the excitement of athletic competition.  And of course we would not be here without the significant commitment made to this project last fall by the entire Canton community. On behalf of the Canton Public Schools, especially the students, I thank you for that support." 

The ceremony took place on the edge of an area that will soon hold a running truck and a multi-sport synthetic field. Also planned is a reconfiguration of the parking lot and entrances areas designed to improve cueing, safety and flow to and from the school. 

The goal is for work on the lot to be done by Aug. 22, followed by track and field elements in late September.