Brewer High School in Maine is wrapping up its major project to revamp its athletic fields. Heddericg Field, home to the school’s baseball and field hockey teams, is now transformed into a large multi-sport complex covering 216,000 square feet. The complex includes a spacious turf field, two baseball diamonds, five tennis courts, and four pickleball courts.
According to Brewer Athletic Director David Utterback, the project is currently around 85% complete, with the remaining steps including pouring concrete for the tennis and pickleball courts. Although students can start practicing on the new turf field when spring sports begin in March, the entire complex is expected to be fully finished by May.
This extensive project has been ongoing for years and addresses the issue of consistently wet athletic fields. The new complex will be one of the largest continuous turf surfaces in the northern part of the state, accommodating various sports like soccer, field hockey, football, and lacrosse.
The Brewer High School sports teams, including soccer, field hockey, baseball, boys lacrosse, and tennis, will call this complex home. Additionally, the newly formed Brewer/Hampden Academy girls lacrosse team will use the field. Two baseball and softball fields within the complex will cater to middle school students transitioning from a 60-foot little league field to a full-sized 90-foot baseball diamond.
The field, named after Charlie Heddericg, a respected Brewer coach and teacher, faced challenges in recent years due to a failed drainage system. However, the new complex ensures reliable playability, even in challenging weather conditions.
The complex features lines that can be painted on the turf for different sports, similar to professional fields. Portable fences and lighting add flexibility for different sports, and amenities include a walking path, public bathrooms, and facilities for spectators. The project is estimated to cost around $3.5 million, funded by a bond taken out by the school’s board of trustees.
This upgraded facility is seen as a significant accomplishment for the Brewer School Department, following the construction of Brewer Community School and extensive renovations at Brewer High School. Brewer Superintendent Gregg Palmer believes that the completion of this complex demonstrates the community’s commitment to enhancing students’ experiences and reinforcing their importance. The school aims to instill pride in students who represent Brewer through their actions.
