Biddeford Athletic Field Renovations Project

History of the Field • The Waterhouse Commission (previously known as Biddeford High School Alumni Field Association) was deeded the property by Alfred Waterhouse in 1944. • Their mission is to support an athletic field where students in the public schools, high schools, and other persons may receive instruction in athletics and physical development, and where instruction in connection with the Biddeford High School on educational lines may be given. • The organization is organized exclusively for public, charitable, and/or educational purposes.

Partnership with School • Since 1973, the Waterhouse Commission has leased the property to the City of Biddeford for $1.00 as the Biddeford High School athletic field. • In the past, there were significant volunteers and donations to support the renovations and work that needed to be completed to maintain a field of this size. • Times have changed and since the field is used by high school athletes, the school department feels responsible for addressing the need at this time.

Current Facility Challenges • The current field has several challenges: • Does not meet Federation regulations to play State and Regional competitions or MPA sponsored events (soccer, lacrosse, field hockey). • Bleacher Safety and Structural Concerns • Lighting • Locker room and Restrooms • Title IX Concern – Equitable field for ALL sports; • Irrigation is in need of upgrades • Scoreboard and Sound System • With a new field we would be able to: • Accommodate soccer, field hockey, lacrosse in addition to football • Accommodate Middle School and community/Rec teams

Renovations Needed - Bleachers • The bleachers on the home side were purchased USED in 1998 from the Shriners in Mass.

Renovations Needed - Bleachers • The bleachers on the visitor side were purchased USED in 1985 from Catholic Memorial High School in Mass.

Renovations Needed - Bleachers • Both bleacher sets were originally designed for INDOOR use and have been repaired MULTIPLE times throughout the years. • End Zone Bleachers Closed during the 2016 season in consultation with Code Enforcement.

Renovations Needed - Bleachers • If we attempt to repair again, they must MEET current safety codes which will cost MORE than replacement. • Current Capacity: 5,000 (largest event held 4,000) • New Capacity: 2,500 home side; 900 visitor side; temporary bleachers added if/when needed (Core option).

Renovations Needed - Lights • The lights and poles were replaced in 1985 and are cracked, extremely twisted, and bent.

Renovations Needed - Lights • The lights are not energy efficient. LED replacements will allow us to SAVE money and REDUCE disruption to neighbors. • Unless replaced soon, we will NO longer be able to continue with night games.

Turf vs. Grass • Groundwork and shifting of the field needs to be done in either circumstance and is the majority of the cost. • The cost difference between the grass or turf carpet is $200,000. • Turf allows us to play on it immediately; whereas a grass field must sit for one year to prevent damage. • Increased Cancellations: If boys play football on grass field in rain on a Friday night, girls soccer gets cancelled the next day. Not equitable to all sports.

Turf vs. Grass • Turf addresses challenges posed by Maine Climate and expands opportunity to play and practice during fall and spring seasons. • Ability to bid and attract Regional, State and New England competition, which brings revenue to local businesses. • Levels the competition among schools who have turf. • Athletic Facilities, Curb Appeal: Can change how people outside your community perceive it. Example: • Turf Field = 540 hours of use (based on TA use) • Grass Field = 130 hours of use (based on current BHS use)

Renovations Needed - Buildings • Specific repairs and upgrades will be completed while utilizing existing structures.

Recommended Option

Core Option 3.4 million / Core Plus 3.9 million

What is the Cost? 3. The Legacy Option which will focus on creating a complete recreational facility that future generations can be proud of, including: a walking path, expanded bleacher capacity (3,500 home side and 1,200 visitor side), renovated and expanded buildings and locker rooms, Monumental Gatehouse on West Street with dawn-to-dusk access, additional restrooms, playground, picnic areas, fitness stations, etc. This is approximately $5.5 million including contingency and escalation).

Non-recommended Option due to cost

Questions the Community Must Answer How much time do we have left at Waterhouse without renovation? 2-4 years If not Waterhouse Field, where do our student athletes continue to play? Brother Hebert Field Option

Brother Hebert Field Option

Cost: 4.9 million

A Few Location Pros and Cons Waterhouse Field • • • • • •

Pros Historical Value to Community, Alumni, Volunteers Closeness to playing field unlike other facilitates Existing infrastructure for many items in place Commitment from donors Brother Hebert is used at practice field Possible 99 year lease

• • • •

Cons Not located on BHS Campus Street Parking Need for upgraded locker rooms/restrooms Non ownership of land (leased situation)

Brother Richard Hebert Field • • • • •

• • • • •

Pros Located on BHS Campus Existing Locker room facilities could be used Parking Land Ownership Resurfaced Track

Cons If renovated, space becomes limited for the field events for track (throwing is difficult) Safety concerns for track at large meets with activity in the infield Loss of a football practice field (another will place will need to be found/built for practice) Removes spectators from closeness to competition Loss of Lobster Bowl Game

How will this be funded? • We have currently raised $282,028 through cash and pledges toward our $500,000 goal and donations continue to come in (For Waterhouse Field). • We would need to check with Donors if another option was selected. • Next steps include grant applications, business asks and community-at-large. • A bond issue may be considered which would allow the voters to decide • To provide perspective, a $3 million bond over a 20-year period equates to approximately .10 per mil rate on a $200,000 home = an average of $20 per taxpayer per year.

Questions?

Other Information

Renovation Timeline • • • • •

January 2016-June 2017: Fundraising Efforts – currently at $269,315 2017: Possible Bond Vote June 2017-November 2017: Engineering and permitting; regular football season November 2017-August 2018: Construction utilizing many local contractors Fall 2018: Potential Completion

Good for the Community • As noted in the mission of the Waterhouse Commission, this field can be used for public and charitable purposes beyond Biddeford sporting events (i.e. Lobster Bowl, music events, walk-a-thons, car shows, etc.). • All events held at Waterhouse Field create economic stimulus for our businesses in town, from visitors coming to stay in our local hotels to getting gas to eating at local restaurants. • This renovation will build family and community again.

Turf Fields in Maine

Testimonial #1 • “Yarmouth has had a turf for 14 years. Athletically, we are at an advantage because we can access the field in all types of weather. We are able to play in the rain while other schools cannot. Typically, this is to our advantage as well because mentally our studentathletes know we are playing regardless of the weather. The facility also allows us to gain access earlier in the Spring due to the snow melt occurring at a faster rate on turf fields. Additionally, Yarmouth has been able to host several State Championship events which has added value in showcasing the facility and generating booster income. Financially, the cost of a turf field is far less than grass fields, it is literally maintenance free. We provide maintenance three times per season or before special events with the recommended equipment and are good to go. Our entire community from K-12 and beyond utilize this field and it has become a very important cultural component to our town.” -Sue Robbins, Athletic Director, Yarmouth High School

Testimonial #2 “We play every Varsity and JV High School game on this field in the spring and fall. Usually we can add first team games as well, along with Middle School Football games on Saturdays. Sundays, Vacation Days, Holidays and Summer Break sometimes allows for community or outside rental use.” -Cooper Higgins, Athletic Director, Falmouth High School