The next project for Northern Essex Community College: A new multi-use athletics complex.
The complex will have the baseball and soccer fields, and a new track field with the eight lanes and a new turf field in the middle.
The school will be launching women’s flag football.
Another resource that the school will offer with the fields are rentals to generate revenue for the school, according to NECC Executive Vice President/Chief Financial Officer/Chief Operating Officer Mike McCarthy.
McCarthy shared some information about the new track and fields during a recent conversation with the Observer.
Will the school also be taking up areas of the property on the field that was never used before?
“Yeah. So, the whole area will be redone. They have to regrade it all because it flooded. We could never use the baseball field for most of the season because it was under water. There’s a whole drainage issue that’s being addressed,” he said.
The project utilizes a seven-acre site situated within the southwestern quadrant of the campus, bordering Kenoza Street, according to a press release from the college.
When did this new Track and Baseball Fields project start and when will it be completed?
“The kickoff began on September 21. So, it is said to be completed 150 days from start, weather permitting. So, we’re hopeful we can play some baseball games in the spring, he said.
Do you think that the new multiple athletic fields will encourage people in the community to Northern Essex Community College?
“A few things. So, I bet on us and I firmly believe that the more people that come on this campus and realize how beautiful we are, will come here.. especially when they learn it’s free, and that the benefits and the success and all that we bring,” he said.
What is the total cost of the new Baseball, Soccer, and Track fields complex?
“It would be about 8 million dollars. We have some money and we’re fundraising for it.”
Students, faculty and staff have neen watching the work on the fields with interest.
“I’m glad NECC is getting new space fields, but I’m worried about some elements of the designs, and I hope to see spectator seating,” NECC student and Observer opinion editor Tristan Taylor said after seeing the blueprint of the new fields complex.
“This has been a long time coming; it’s great to see this project coming to fruition. This will likely be the finest on-campus facility at the two-year college level in the Northeast, which will elevate the overall student-athlete experience at the college,” said NECC Athletic Director Dan Blair according to a press release from the college.
Following up on the renovations of both the B and E buildings.
When asked what would be the approximate finish date for the B and E building renovations, McCarthy said, “B and E building we’re supposed to have under control by January.”
After that date, furniture, equipment, and supplies will be added back into the building. The goal is to begin classes in the second session of Spring 2027 semester after the buildings are ready and prepared, according to McCarthy.