Land Bank And 'Sconset Trust Team Up To Buy "Field Of Dreams"

The Nantucket Land Bank and the 'Sconset Trust have teamed up to purchase the so-called "Field Of Dreams" property near the center of the village on the east end of the island.

The $4 million acquisition from the Nowak family includes four separate lots that total .44 acres. The purchase price is being split evenly between the 'Sconset Trust and the Land Bank. The two organizations intend to maintain the property as an open field for recreation "and a welcoming green space at one of the key entry points to the village center," 'Sconset Trust president Bill Holding wrote in an email to the non-profit's supporters. 

"Over the years, the Nowak family have made the land available for kids to play, and now they are enabling the Trust and the Land Bank to acquire and maintain the field as a public resource in perpetuity," Holding stated. "The Trust has been in discussions with the Nowaks over many years about this opportunity, and it’s great that their family’s vision will now be a reality. As we all know, open space is very limited in our village, and we can’t take these properties for granted. We believe this field will be valued as a great resource for our children and grandchildren to enjoy for generations to come."

The four lots are located at the corner of New Street and West Sankaty Road.

"The Nowak Family was very interested in seeing their property maintained as 'The Field of Dreams' and the 'Sconset Trust and Land Bank Commission were pleased to be able to contribute to their goals," said Land Bank executive director Rachael Freeman.

For the 'Sconset Trust, the deal is the latest high-profile acquisition the organization has made to help fulfill its strategic goals of land conservation and securing properties that give the village its unique character. Last year the Trust purchased the Siasconset Market, and One New Street, which is being used as a retail space, housing units, and as the Trust's offices.