The Department of Athletics, Physical Education and Recreation (DAPER) has started work to resurface and refurbish Jack Barry Field, a 100,000-square foot field constructed in 1999 and lined for intercollegiate field hockey as well as numerous club and intramural activities.
Barry Field is located along Amherst Alley between the J. B. Carr Tennis Bubble and the Zesiger Center. "The original Astroturf surface just completed its 12th season and has served the community well," said Dan Martin, DAPER's assistant department head for facilities and operation, "but it has reached the end of its useful life."
The field will be resurfaced with Poly Tan Ligaturf, a synthetic surface designed to mimic the feel of natural grass. This surface will be similar to the one installed on Roberts Field inside the MIT Track but shorter for better playability for field hockey. With the new surface, the field will also be more conducive to lacrosse, soccer and numerous club and intramural sports.
"This field is widely used not just by our intercollegiate teams but by a broad section of the MIT community," said Julie Soriero, department head and director of DAPER. "We're grateful to the Committee for the Review of Space Planning for supporting this vital renovation."
Along with the new turf, Barry Field will get enhanced lighting, which will make more sports playable into the evening, plus safety netting, a new walkway around the field, and an improved sound system.
Construction is scheduled for completion in the first week of August.
New surface to make field safer, more playable
Publication Date:
Caption:
Jack Barry Field is undergoing a resurfacing that will make the facility safer and better for athletic competition.
Credits:
Photo: Tom Gearty
