Burrillville field targeted for major makeover

Track and field complex at Branch River Park is high on town’s list for capital improvement funds

BURRILLVILLE – Branch River Park could be getting a major makeover as part of a proposed capital improvement project that would not only include replacing the existing track and installing synthetic turf on the current playing field, but construction of a brand new bleacher system, concession building, restrooms and additional lighting.

The track and playing field at Branch River Park, located next to the Burrillville Middle School in Broncos Highway, are in dire need of improvements and town officials are planning to establish a building committee at the end of the month to determine the scope of the project, how much it will cost and how to finance it. The committee’s recom- mendation will then be given to the Town Council for its consideration.

“In this year’s capital improvement project budget we have one item for Branch River Park, specifically for track and field improvements,” Department of Pubic Works and Parks and Recreation Director Jeffrey M. McCormick told the Town Council last week. “This project will improve the track because the track at the Middle School now is not up to Interscholastic League standards.”

According to McCormick, the last improvements to the track were made more than 20 years ago, and since then, the track has developed severe cracks. As for the current playing field, the sod turf is overused, causing ruts and unsafe playing conditions, especially in the spring.

McCormick says he’s received a preliminary base bid of $1.8 million to replace the track and install synthetic turf on the field. That price also includes other amenities like areas for pole vaulting and javelin and discus throwing.

Adding additional lights, including eight high-mast light poles, would bring the project to $2.5 million.

At the council next meeting on March 27, the panel will consider forming a building committee of town and school officials and residents to study the prospects of an even larger project, including a new bleacher system; concession stand with restrooms; and additional parking. Those additional features would leave the entire cost of the project at between $3 and $4 million.

As for funding a project of that scope, the study committee would explore a possible bond, which – according to preliminary estimates

– could cost residents between $25 and $41 per household.

Councilman Donald Fox says he believes the community will support a bond to pay for the improvements.

“There is a large contingency of parents in town who want to see this project happen,” he said. “We can’t effectively manage that field as it is right now and we’re spending a good amount of money with North Smithfield to rent their turf. I think this would be a manageable proj- ect through a bonding effort.”

Fox says that in addition to middle and high school athletes, the Branch River Park facility would also be used by the Burrillville Youth Lacrosse Program, the Burrill- ville Patriots and the town’s Recreation Department.

“The interest in the community for this project goes well beyond the high school,” he said.