LYNN — Manning Field’s track and turf surfaces are getting an overhaul to bring the facility up to date.
Rich Avery, the community facilities manager for the City of Lynn, which includes Manning and Fraser Fields, said that the renovations were prompted by age and wear. He also said that the current turf at Manning is the original that was laid when the field was built in 2008.
In the 13 years since, both the track and turf have reached the point where they needed to be replaced. Avery said that Manning Field gets more foot traffic than the average track and field facility because of the five high schools that use it for football, soccer, lacrosse and outdoor track. Not only that, the Lynn Pop Warner and youth football leagues use it as well.
Avery said that the project is expected to be completed in late August — in time for the high school football and soccer seasons. From there, the city will tackle Fraser Field. The turf on the baseball field will be replaced, and the now-grass outfield will be turfed.
The Fraser Field project is expected to be completed “before winter hits,” said Avery.
Combined, these two projects will cost the city an estimated $2.5 million, which will come from a bond secured by the city. The track and field grounds will be closed to the public during the renovations.
Emma Fringuelli can be reached at [email protected].
