WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — The new field and track is not the only upgrade to Mount Greylock's outdoor athletic facilities this fall.

 

In addition to the new multisport grass field ringed by an eight-lane running track, the school is slated next month to have the lights at its current varsity soccer/lacrosse field retrofitted with new LED fixtures.

 

Interim Superintendent Joseph Bergeron said Thursday that the new lights will be mounted on the existing poles around John T. Allen Field.

 

Bergeron said the replacement project will be funded, "through a National Grid program where 50 percent of the cost is a grant and 50 percent comes over years through on-bill rebates/payments related to the cost savings associated versus the old bulbs."

 

After a payback period of about six years, the district will reap the full financial benefit of lower energy purchases associated with the LED bulbs, he said.

 

"The LEDs will save energy and provide more focused and better light with less light pollution," Bergeron said.

 

As for the new field, installers were on-site on Wednesday testing the output to make sure the fixtures are positioned properly to provide full coverage of the field.

 

The track is fully installed and ready to host meets this spring.

 

The sod on the infield is laid — and the unseasonably mild October weather can only help the grass take root. Several school personnel have said that they hope the field might be ready to host at least two lacrosse games — one boys and one girls — in the late spring of 2025.

 

Otherwise, the projected start date for the field is September 2025, in time for the next soccer season.