Morse Field Is Named 'Outstanding Single Field Of The Year'


Worcester Academy today announced that its new, lighted synthetic turf field – Morse Field – was named “Outstanding Single Field Of The Year” at the annual American Sports Builders Association (ASBA) Awards, Dec. 9, in San Antonio TX. Morse Field previously was recognized by the ASBA with the 2013 “Distinguished Single Field Award,” presented in August.

The ASBA is the nation’s leading nonprofit association helping designers, builders, owners, operators, and users understand quality athletic facility construction. The goal of the ASBA’s Awards Program is to promote the highest standards of construction excellence by honoring quality and creativity.

Morse Field, dedicated in late-2012, was constructed with funds raised from the school’s ongoing $50M capital campaign, “OnWArd: The Campaign for Worcester Academy.” Located at the corner of Providence and Winthrop streets, two blocks from the school’s historic main campus, the field is built on 10 acres of the former St. Vincent Hospital property.

At 109,000 square feet, it is one of the best multi-purpose synthetic fields in Central Massachusetts and is used by nearly all of the Academy’s outdoor athletic programs, which may play or practice there from early spring until early winter.

The field’s open concept is a symbol of neighborhood renewal in the vicinity of the Academy, led by the school’s investments in, and commitment to, improving the quality of life on Union Hill. Students from local public elementary schools use the field for physical education classes, while neighbors use it for pick-up soccer games and stroll around the field’s perimeter, which is a paved walkway.

Formally dedicated on September of 2012, the field is named in honor of Worcester Academy’s retired longtime head of school Dexter P. Morse and his wife, Barbara.

The architect for the roughly $3M project was Stantec Inc., a global design and consulting firm whose Sport team is based in Boston. General contractor was Quirk Construction of Georgetown, MA. The synthetic turf manufacturer was UBU of Dalton, Georgia.

ABOUT STANTEC

Based in Boston, Massachusetts, Stantec’s Sport Group covers every phase of athletic facility design – from exploring funding options and gathering constituent input to project design and construction administration, from premium athletic fields and venues to BMX tracks. Stantec creates safe, functional, and attractive places to run, ride, skate, swim, and compete. www.facebook.com/StantecsSportGroup

ABOUT WORCESTER ACADEMY

Worcester Academy is a co-ed day and boarding school for grades 6-12 and postgraduates. Our urban setting, diverse community, and challenging curriculum provide students with a solid, real-world education. Visit www.worcesteracademy.org

For more information, contact Neil Isakson, director of communications, at 508-754-5302 x135, or e-mail neil.isakson@worcesteracademy.org
Back