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Date: 5/9/2023
SPRINGFIELD — Phase 1 of the development of an athletic complex at Duggan Academy is underway with the construction of a football field and surrounding area.
The nearly $16 million project — which is broken up in three phases — began in the early months of 2023.
Currently, the city is working on leveling the grounds to create the football field which will be made of turf, surrounded by a running track. The field will be dedicated to former coach Ted Plumb.
Phase 1, which costs approximately $9 million, includes the ground improvements, field, drainage and bleachers, and will eventually wrap up with the installation of other amenities.
Ward 5 City Councilor Lavar Click-Bruce said the field should be up and running by the fall.
The second and third phase of the project will include the construction of a soccer field, baseball field, outdoor basketball courts, walking trails, green space and more. Click-Bruce said the complex is “for everyone to enjoy new activities.”
The athletic complex will be open to the community. Click-Bruce compared it to Central High School as its athletic fields are not only used by students, but also the community on the weekends.
At Duggan, he said it will be a similar process to use the fields and occupants must go through the athletic director. To use the fields for a particular event, a permit is required. However, if someone wants to go play basketball, they can without a permit, unless someone else has already reserved the space.
As someone who is involved in youth sports, Click-Bruce noted that there is only one football field in the city — at Central High School — that can be used by the community. With the addition of a field at Duggan, it will expand the city’s offerings for sports and events.
Click-Bruce expressed his excitement for this project, along with the positive feedback he has received from people within his district.
He said it provides a “safe space” for children to go.
“I am happy to sponsor this and I look forward to its completion,” Click-Bruce added.
The entire athletic complex will be completed by 2026.
“I am happy that my administration was able to break ground and begin the first phase of the construction and renovation process for our new Ted Plumb Field and Duggan Park. This all-encompassing project will provide our city with a second major athletic field and complex, much like the one my administration did at Central High School, along with enhancing our green open space areas. A city our size really does deserve and need two athletic complexes, with all the proper amenities, to accommodate all of our athletic and recreational activities,” said Mayor Domenic Sarno in a written statement.
He continued, “I am also happy that my administration will be able to relocate and dedicate this field to legendary coach Thomas ‘Ted’ Plumb. The improvements and enhancements planned for our Duggan field is desperately needed and will greatly benefit our youth, athletes and their families.”