On Tuesday morning, August 27, the renovated turf field at East Somerville Community School (ESCS) formally reopened, just in time for the first day of school. As 6th grade ESCS teacher Julie Allen, who was on-hand for the ribbon-cutting ceremony said, “I’m so happy for my students to be able to use the new soccer field. So many of them love soccer and it’s the best part of recess or afterschool for them.”

City and school officials, representatives who oversaw the project, and neighborhood and community members young and old attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony. But having the gates open in preparation for the ceremony was invitation enough for more than a dozen kids to begin a pickup soccer game while the adults talked along the crisply painted sidelines. The celebration at ESCS was the second of two field renovation projects completed this summer. The field alongside the Capuano Early Childhood Center was reopened and held its ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, August 9.

The improvements at both ESCS and Capuano were needed to address drainage problems, natural wear-and-tear from regular use, and safety concerns. Of note is the use of sand and plant-based infill material on the fields. One important improvement that couldn’t be featured under the sunny blue skies at ESCS was the installation of athletic field LED lighting. This new field lighting will allow play to continue into the evenings even as natural light fades as the fall progresses. As ESCS Principal Obed Morales explains, “The new turf will provide the entire community a durable surface to utilize for many years. For the school, this surface promotes a healthy and safe space for students to use during the academic day. We are fortunate to have this facility available for our students.”