Building Fields of Dreams

In an almost synchronous event, the first day of spring and the sound of bulldozers and other heavy machinery kicked off.

Walking on campus during the second half of the second semester, the quiet rumble of machinery in the distance has been ever present. The noise was not disruptive; in fact, it signified forward progress of some of the many much-anticipated facilities improvements taking place on campus.

The project, which will be completed in two phases, begins with the replacement of the Simosa Field and Track, construction of a new multipurpose turf field in the back fields, and three new tennis courts adjacent to the six that make up the Markin Tennis Center.

And with the proper approvals received from the town of Cheshire, work is now underway in the back fields, with plans to have all of Phase I completed by the start of the 2022-2023 academic year for the varsity sports teams’ preseason.

The first change made was the removal of the antiquated tennis courts adjacent to the softball field near the back pond. Having reached the end of their useful life, the tennis courts were ripped up and converted to greenspace.

The new turf complex, located to the north of the pond, will double as a state-of-the-art softball field and multi-sport turf field for training and competitions for the boys’ and girls’ lacrosse and soccer programs, and football practices. Just a bit farther north from there is the home of the three new tennis courts, adjacent to the existing courts at Markin Tennis Center.

Due to the positive relationship between Cheshire Academy and the local community, the boys’ and girls’ tennis teams were able to practice and compete at the Copper Valley Tennis and Social Club just a few miles away from campus, and use some of the municipally owned tennis courts around town.

Every student on campus will benefit from the completion of Phase I. Not only will there be new grounds on which to compete, perform, and interact, but the changes will also give the community opportunities for new, more efficient scheduling for CA students when it comes to athletics practices. No longer will students have to share one turf field or practice on uneven grass fields, nor will they have to stay out late into the evening hours to complete their practices. Instead, they will conclude their practices earlier, allowing for a more reasonable period for studying and rest.

Slated for completion by fall 2024, the existing Arthur Sheriff Field House—constructed in 1964 when CA was an all-boys school—is going to be demolished and reconstructed as a modern space for the entire CA community. The new facility will provide space for a new theater, community gathering (such as guest speakers, all-school meetings, and presentations), the Community Life Office, student center, and an indoor athletics facility to support varsity, sub-varsity, and recreational practices and competitions.

Two donors who wish to remain anonymous made substantial gifts toward the construction and upkeep of the new center for athletics, arts, and community life. There will be several opportunities this fall for families and alumni to meet with Head of School Julie Anderson P’19,’23 and members of the Advancement Office about ways they can be involved in the construction of this new and innovative space.