SHS Field Project Will Be 'On Time And On Budget'

On Friday morning at Stonington High School, a group of town officials and volunteers thrust shovels into grass and dirt in order to kick-off the installation of artificial turf.

There were 17 shovels at the groundbreaking, enough to represent the wide-range of involvement in this $1 million project. After the adults had their turn, a group of Stonington High athletes had a go.

First Selectman Ed Haberek thanked a long list of collaborators, adding that the work on the athletic fields improvement project "was one of my greatest joys in this job. We are providing premiere fields for generations to come."

Superintendent Van Riley noted that he started work on a Monday last October and the next day residents approved the fields project.

"I want to thank the voters for approving it and I look forward to the first game," he said.

The most applause came for R.A.D. Sports project manager James Doherty, who said "This project will be done on time and on budget."

The field is expected to be done Aug. 1. Seniors will have commencement at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy this June because of the construction.

Want to see photos from the ceremony today? We put them here for you.