Simmons College, Allston-Brighton Communities Set to Renovate Daly Field Into State-of-the-Art Athletic Complex

BOSTON, Oct. 22, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, Simmons College announced its plans to renovate and revitalize the dilapidated Daly Field in Brighton into a state-of-the-art, collegiate level athletic complex through an innovative public-private partnership.

Simmons has completed the regulatory approval process and has finalized the lease agreement with the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), allowing for shared use of the facility among Brighton High School, Allston-Brighton Little League, the general public, and Simmons College Athletics. The newly refurbished Daly Field Athletic Complex is scheduled to open in Summer 2016.

"We are thrilled to participate in this dynamic partnership that not only exemplifies our commitment to girls and women by investing in athletics – an experience proven to positively impact women's leadership development – but also expands our core value of investing in the community," said Simmons College President Helen Drinan. "Engaging in sports activities, regardless of level, is good for all."

Daly Field consists of almost seven acres of parkland on the banks of the Charles River in Brighton. The new facility will feature several new amenities, including:

• NEW FIELD HOUSE – 3,200 square foot energy efficient building, including a sports medicine facility, team meeting rooms, and public restrooms 
• TENNIS COURTS – Six fenced NCAA standard size courts for doubles play
• SOCCER & LACROSSE FIELDS – NCAA standard synthetic turf fields
• SOFTBALL DIAMOND – NCAA standard with clay infield and synthetic outfield
• FIELD HOCKEY – NCAA standard synthetic turf field
• FOOTBALL FIELD – MIAA standard high school synthetic turf field
• WALKING TRACK – A quarter mile, two-lane walking track
• SPORTS LIGHTING – Innovative and sustainable sports lighting system 

For more information about the Daly Field Athletic Complex, click here.

As part of a long-term strategy, Simmons had sought to boost the visibility and quality of its athletic programs, as well as recruit a greater number of student athletes for its programs. In 2011, the College was approached by community members in Allston and Brighton who were looking for a partner to help them renovate and refurbish Daly Field, a public field that has been in disrepair for more than 20 years.

State Representative Michael Moran from Brighton and State Senator William Brownsberger from Belmont (whose district includes Allston and Brighton) secured passage of legislation in August 2012, which authorized the Allston-Brighton Friends of Daly Field, Inc. – a group of community, local business, and Simmons representatives – to lease the property from the state and which allowed Simmons to fund significant renovations for the project.

Brighton High School – which has not played a home game in more than 25 years – is particularly excited about the project. "It's a great opportunity," said Brighton High School Athletic Director and Football Coach Randolph Abraham. "That means children are going to get to grow up being more active, having the kind of state-of-the-art facility you see in other communities, but clearly lacking in Brighton. "  

To follow the progress on Daly Field, click here.

SOURCE Simmons College

Related Links

http://www.simmons.edu