Bayside FC, PCD plan new turf sports field in East Providence

Replaces agreement with city to operate at high school site

Posted 9/10/19

EAST PROVIDENCE — The Bayside FC youth soccer organization, which saw its agreement to operate an artificial turf field with the East Providence School District end upon the construction of a new high …

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Bayside FC, PCD plan new turf sports field in East Providence

Replaces agreement with city to operate at high school site

Posted

EAST PROVIDENCE — The Bayside FC youth soccer organization, which saw its agreement to operate an artificial turf field with the East Providence School District end upon the construction of a new high school, has found a new partner in a similar endeavor at neighboring Providence Country Day.

The parties on Tuesday, Sept. 10, announced an agreement to construct a new, 81,000-square foot premium artificial turf playing field on PCD’s Waterman Avenue campus.

“Bayside FC is a true leader in developing the top athletes in our region, and we could not be more thrilled to partner with such a reputable youth soccer organization to create a state-of-the-art home field for both our athletic programs,” said Mark McLaughlin, associate head of school, Providence Country Day School. “The new turf field is yet one more way for us to improve the student-athlete experience, elevate our athletic facilities, and amplify school spirit by giving our players and their families a home-field they can be proud of.”

Replacing PCD’s signature Varsity Field, the new multi-sport synthetic field will be the home to both Bayside FC and PCD athletic teams offering hundreds of young athletes a safer and more superior playing experience.

The new field will host both soccer and lacrosse practices and games serving more than 500 student-athletes from kindergarten to high school seniors. With installation led by RAD Sports, the $1.5 million-dollar project financed by BankNewport will begin immediately with an anticipated completion date in November. The renovation will include new stadium lighting, security fencing, and multi-tiered seating.

“The new turf field and partnership with Bayside is yet another way PCD furthers its commitment to offering every possible opportunity to our students to take risks, learn and grow whether on the sports field or in the art studio,” said PCD Board of Trustees President John Mullen, Class of 2002.

The new turf field follows a popular trend among schools throughout the country to replace natural grass fields with a premium synthetic surface for its cost-effective, weather-resistant, and more durable and consistent playability benefits. The new field offers PCD additional opportunities to host year-round play, evening games, and other community events or regional athletic tournaments without significant risk of wear or damage to the playing area.

“Our missions are similar. Both PCD and Bayside work every day to help young people identify their strengths, foster leadership, and empower personal growth. We could not imagine a better partner for our program, and we look forward to bringing our players and families to the PCD campus,” said city native and Bayside FC president John Mark Andrade.

Bayside FC previously entered into a similar agreement with the city and the school district, building a turf field in the rear of the existing EPHS. The complex opened in the spring of 2016 and was home to the high school’s soccer and lacrosse programs as well as the base for Bayside FC and also used by local youth programs.

The contract between the sides was ended after voters approved a referendum at the November 2018 election in support of building a new high school. The field along with fencing and lighting was removed late in the spring prior to the start of construction on the new EPHS in June.

The plans for the new EPHS currently include an artificial turf surface for the new football stadium, at least, and potentially multi-purpose turf fields for softball, baseball, soccer and lacrosse. The latter is dependent on the availability of funds at the conclusion of the $189.5 million project.

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