Vote Yes on the Renovation of Seekonk Connolly Field and Mooney Track August 30th

For more than 10 years, I have played on Seekonk High School’s Connolly Field and as a current member of Seekonk High School’s football team, I can say for a fact there is a desperate need for a new turf field at Seekonk High School. Through the five points below, I hope to demonstrate the need for voting yes for the Renovation of Seekonk Connolly Field and Mooney Track.

1. The Current Field is Unsafe
During the shortened 2021 Spring Football season, a teammate of mine was running on the field when he fell into a short ditch which resulted in him spraining his ankle. Due to this, he was not able to play for the rest of the season and had to watch from the sideline. Many players have seen the danger in playing on the current field whether it is the small ditches in the field or the dirt patches that have grown. The current field is unsafe. It would be unreasonable to not support a new turf field as a parent or resident when the current one is in such shape.

2. The Turf Field Proposal is not Expensive
Unlike other items on the Spring town meeting warrant, the current renovation proposal only costs a small $2.7 million which includes a new track, a turf field, a redesigning of the bleachers, and other items which would improve the playing on the complex. The price tag of the field renovation is more than reasonable when factoring in all that will be renovated.

3. The Turf Field and Track Renovation Would Enhance Seekonk Athletics
Almost every Seekonk sport that is played will benefit from such a field whether you play Soccer, Lacrosse, Football. Field hockey, Track, or any other sport that at times uses the Connolly Field or Mooney Track. This will thus enhance Seekonk Athletics at all age groups.

4. Everyone Can Benefit From a Turf Field and a New Track
Not only are athletes among those who would benefit from the proposal, but all Seekonk residents who enjoy walking the track, exercising on or near the field, or even those students who have gym classes on the field, everyone can reap the rewards of a field renovation.

5. It is Long Past Due
Many high schools have made the switch over to a turf field including neighboring towns and cities. Now, it is long past due for Seekonk to have a turf field given the unfortunate condition of the current field. Generations of Seekonk residents have played at the same field and it has gotten to the point where a new field is needed.

Through the points made above, it should be clear that it is smart to vote for a new turf field and track. As someone who spends 5 days a week on the field, I have seen the dire need for a new turf field. Those who have played on the field can attest to the condition in which it is currently in. That’s why I humbly ask for all Seekonk residents to vote yes on Monday, August 30th, for the renovation of Seekonk Connolly Field and Mooney Track.

Thank you,
Joshua A. Troiano