To the Editor,
The citizens of Dedham have an opportunity to make a positive investment in the future of the youth of our community with a “yes” vote on the ballot questions in the Special Election on Jan.19.
I feel strongly that a new Avery School is in the best interest of all the residents of Dedham. In order for a new athletic complex to be built at the high school, the Avery School project must be voted in the affirmative. As for the new athletic complex, our community is in desperate need of a new track and artificial surface field. The track at the high school is in poor condition and the grass field cannot withstand the constant use it receives during the school year. Because of the limited field space at the high school, the main field at Stone Park must be used for varsity, junior varsity and freshman football games, all the field hockey games, Pop Warner football games and band competitions in the fall season as well as boys and girls lacrosse in the spring. The boys and girls soccer teams practice at Memorial Park, which is a viable location, but the varsity teams must travel to Freitas Field on Rustcraft Road to play our home games.
An artificial surface field would not only be able to withstand the present game load, but would create opportunities for our youth sport groups, in addition to Pop Warner, to use the facility. The High School softball and baseball teams could use the field in the early spring for infield practice and defensive team tactic drills. It may also allow the Parks and Recreation Department to implement a plan that would cut down on the wear and tear of certain areas of our existing fields. Virtually all the surrounding towns have artificial surface fields. These towns include Milton, Canton, Westwood, Walpole, Needham, Wellesley, Brookline and Norwood (upon the completion of their new high school). A new athletic complex is an important resource for your entire community. The present facility was built in the late 1950s. We need to reinvest in our town. Coordinating the construction of the athletic complex with the new Avery School makes sense from a logistical and financial standpoint. Now is the right time for this project. Please consider voting “yes” on both ballot questions.
Paul Podolski
Dedham High School, Boys Soccer Coach
