Donation link and project information at salemathleticsfund.org
Salem, Massachusetts - The City of Salem has launched the private fundraising effort associated with the Bertram Field improvement project. To donate to the project or learn more about the work ahead please visit salemathleticsfund.org.
The Bertram Field improvement project is a $6 million effort that will result in modern, accessible, and sustainable athletics facilities for football, soccer, lacrosse, track and field, community and youth sports, and other activities. While the majority of the funding for the project has been secured through the City’s capital budget – including bonding, Community Preservation Act funds, and a state grant – the project team has set a fundraising goal of $400,000 from donations. All donations over $500 will be recognized at the site. Larger donations, including naming opportunities and business sponsorships, are also available. All donations are fully tax-deductible.
Those who would like to donate can visit salemathleticsfund.org to donate by credit card or electronic check. To send a donation by check, make the check payable to “City of Salem” with “Bertram Field” on the memo line and send it to:
Treasurer’s Office
City of Salem
98 Washington Street
Salem, MA 01970
“I am pleased and excited to announce the start of this fundraising effort,” said Mayor Kim Driscoll. “On behalf of the City I’d like to thank the many partners who helped bring the project to this point and who continue to advance it – Beacon Architects, Leftfield, the Park and Recreation Commission, Salem Public Schools’ facilities and athletics staff, and the City’s Capital Projects, Public Works, Fire, Police, IT, Health, and Planning Departments. I hope all Salem residents, as well as Salem High School alumni across the country, will visit salemathleticsfund.org and donate to support this project. Let’s continue the legacy of Bertram Field for future generations!”
“For many years the pride and tradition of Bertram Field has allowed the community of Salem to enjoy, cheer, and compete,” added Scott Connolly, Director of Athletics for Salem Public Schools. “Giving our students and our athletes a state-of-the-art environment to showcase their talents is both rewarding and giving back to the region. As we embark on the next phase to expand this destination, the commitment to offering a venue where the spirit of Salem can come alive through sharing of experiences in wellness is stronger than ever!”
About the Bertram Field improvement project
The project includes 5 main elements:
A new amenity building that includes bathrooms and a family restroom.
A new athletic changing room, both home and visitor.
A new accessible press box.
A new concession stand with umpire facilities.
New improved entrance, parking, access, utilities, and circulation.
This project will provide a modern sports and park facility that will provide important recreational opportunities for children and adults throughout the City. It is the only regulation sized football, soccer, or lacrosse field in Salem. It is the only track and field facility. There are over 250 games and practices there a year, making it the most highly used field in the City. The facility serves the entire City and can also host community games and tournaments for the region. The project will improve circulation in an important part of the City. The new facility will have expanded opportunities for fundraising, including a better facility for serving food and fundraising.
This project also will have the following additional benefits:
High levels of sustainability, including zero net energy ready, & efficient heating/cooling
reduced runoff and green infrastructure, native plantings
Fully accessible entrance for all modes of travel
Opportunities for public art and improved IT access
New security cameras and better access for emergency vehicles
The field, track, and lighting were renovated in 2013 and 2014. Those will not be touched during this phase; however, the field house is in very poor condition, and can no longer be maintained or upgraded. The new facilities meet all new codes, and will be fully accessible, gender neutral, sustainable, modern, and welcoming.
The project went out to bid in September and contractors are expected to be on board by the prior to the end of the year. The field house will be shut down at that time. Mobilization and some work are expected during the Winter, but the bulk of the work is expected to be done in Spring and Summer. The target date for use and occupancy is September 2020, pending unforeseen conditions.
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