For Immediate Release

Tuesday, March 12, 2019

Contact: Benjamin Paulin
Phone: 781-428-3299
Email: ben@jgpr.net

Rockland Officials Provide Update on Veterans Memorial Stadium Renovation Project

ROCKLAND — Interim Town Administrator Marcia Birmingham and Rockland Park Department Superintendent Peter Ewell would like to provide residents with an update on the ongoing renovation and rehabilitation of Veterans Memorial Stadium.

Last June, ground was broken on the $2.47 million renovation of the stadium, including the building of a new garage behind the stadium.

Work is being done this week on the finishing touches of the brand-new 2,500-square-foot garage, which will house mowers, vehicles, landscaping tools and other equipment for the town’s Park Department.

Because of the recent snowstorms, workers have been delayed in waterproofing and painting the stadium because the materials need to be applied while temperatures are above 40 degrees. Once the painting is completed, new aluminum benches can be installed. Work also needs to be done to finish the deck on the stadium.

Since the project started, the structural integrity of the stadium has been reinforced, a new roof has been put on, handicap accessible ramps have been added and emergency lighting has been installed.

Built in 1922, in remembrance of those who died in World War I, the stadium is currently used for a number of Rockland athletics activities and events including high school baseball playoff games, youth football games, semi-pro baseball leagues, graduations, Easter egg hunts and much more.

The last major improvements to the 97-year-old stadium were done in 1951, after WWII veterans returned home and requested that funds for a homecoming celebration instead be used to upgrade the stadium, Ewell said.

“This is a project that has needed to be done for many years and I am glad to see that we are nearing the end of making these vital improvements to a stadium that means so much to so many people in town,” Park Superintendent Ewell said. “The stadium is part of Rockland’s history. The Boston Braves used to play charity games here and generations of Rockland kids have run around these bases. Hopefully with the improvements that have been made the stadium will continue to be a cherished asset for many more decades to come.”

The project is expected to be completed in the springtime, in time for Rockland High School’s graduation ceremony May 31.

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