LYNN — If you’ve been to Fraser Field for a North Shore Navigators game, you may have had a tough time getting something to eat.
Not anymore.
Juniors in the electrical program at Lynn Vocational Technical Institute found a solution to the handful of counters scattered around the park. They created one concession stand at the city’s biggest ballpark as part of their curriculum.
“When the students came to start the project, they got the lay of the land and were able to scope things out,” said Bill Terlecky, Navigators’ general manager. “They were ready to go to power us up.”
Under the direction of Richard Wall and fellow teacher Ron Hennessey, 17 young electricians spent less than two days working in frigid temperatures installing a dozen outlets made to power drink machines, popcorn makers, refrigerators, and more, Wall said.
“This was a great experience for our kids,” he said. “They work on wiring stations on job stations in the classroom that doesn’t have any meaning to them until it becomes real life work like they did. They picked up on it right away.”
Terlecky, who has been general manager since 2012, found the need for a bigger concession stand after seeing long lines at snack stands.
The 480 square-foot wooden structure will have enough room for equipment as well as more than a dozen employees to work comfortably, he said. The project will cost about $15,000, he said.
“The concession stand will pay for itself over time,” he said.
In an effort to keep the work local, Wall said supplies came from Concord Electric Supply on the Lynnway, while construction was done by Big A Construction Home Improvement. The Department of Public Works also had a hand in working out some of the logistics, Wall said.
While Fraser Field has a capacity of about 3,000, Terlecky said the average attendance for the 2017 season was 1,200, with some nights bringing in 2,500 for special events like the fireworks.
“This project fits in with some of the things we’d like to do in the community by involving the different facets of Lynn and bringing them out to the ballpark,” he said. “They will be able to come to games and say they worked on the project.”
The electrical program’s mission is to teach skills to install electrical equipment for light, heat and power applications.
The final project is expected to be completed in March. Opening day is scheduled for June 2 against the Worcester Bravehearts.
Aside from the technical aspects working as an electrician, Wall said the students left with practical knowledge as well.
“It was a cold day,” he said. “The students learned quickly that the faster they work, they warmer they get.”
