South Hadley, Mass. - March 19, 2021 - The Mount Holyoke College Department of Physical Education and Athletics is excited to announce that it has been approved to move forward with the renovation of the MHC Turf and Track Complex.
Working with Activitas - Landscape Consultants/Civil Engineering, this project is set to begin in May of 2021, and will be completed by August. This facility continues to be the primary competition and practice facility for the field hockey, lacrosse and outdoor track and field programs.
The space is also available for physical education classes, club sport offerings, and for the local campus community.
Updates that will be made to the facility include: the current infilled turf field will be replaced with a victory blue non-infill surface with a thicker e-layer subsurface, the current track will be resurfaced and relined, new netting will be installed and bleachers will be cleaned and repaired as needed.
What they are saying about the project...
"We had a great run with our old turf field, but we are so excited to christen the turf this summer with our annual field hockey camp before beginning preseason in the fall. The impact the new turf will have on our student-athletes will be immediate, as a new surface is generally safer, leads to a reduction in injuries, and this particular surface will be fast and predictable for field hockey. When it comes to recruiting, not only will student-athletes get a feel for the support system they will have from the coaching staff, administrative staff, and fellow student-athletes, but they will also have a more extensive physical image to remind them how much we value them, their success, and their playing careers at Mount Holyoke College. We are never deterred by inclement weather, darkness, or having to share our field with men's sports. What an exciting time to be a MHC field hockey player!" - Head Mount Holyoke College field hockey coach Andy Whitcomb
"With the approval of Mount Holyoke's new Turf and Track Complex, the cross country and track & field program is poised to make another giant leap at the conference, regional, and national level. This enhanced facility will provide our student-athletes with state-of-the art training opportunities and experiences that will last a lifetime. My most sincere thanks to all those involved. Get ready to see fire on the track!" - Head Mount Holyoke College cross country and track and field coach, Chris Kibler.
"We could not be more excited to have this turf and track project approved and to be breaking ground within the next couple months. The investment by the college in our student-athletes by creating an optimal playing, practice and teaching environment is clear. This brand new turf is going to not only look amazing, but also be a fast and forgiving surface for our lacrosse team to play on. Thank you to all of our campus leaders that were involved with the project from the beginning, as your determination is what made this project possible." - Head Mount Holyoke College lacrosse coach, Miriam Esber.
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