Joint Statement From Land Bank And Public Schools On Possible Playing Fields Collaboration

To the editor: The Nantucket School Committee and Land Bank Commission would like to clarify the community’s understanding regarding the potential for collaboration on playing fields. The proposal before voters at the Annual Town Meeting on May 4 is for the renovation of Vito Capizzo Stadium, which is located on Nantucket Public Schools property. This project has been contemplated for more than a decade, and the facility is in clear need of renovation and modernization. More information about the current plans can be found on the Nantucket Public Schools website at www.npsk.org. We also want to be clear that the proposed Vito Capizzo Stadium renovation does not involve the Land Bank in any way, as the stadium is located entirely on school property. Any future conversations about potential collaboration between the Land Bank and the Schools would be separate from and in addition to the important work currently proposed to renovate Vito Capizzo Stadium.

As we all know, one of the ongoing dilemmas for the schools is the constant overuse of their current playing fields. With recreation as one of the three main components of the Land Bank Act, the Land Bank Commission is always looking for opportunities on Land Bank properties that will benefit the community, including the schools. With that in mind, the Land Bank, School and Town officials are meeting in the near future to discuss mechanisms by which we can collaboratively address future needs for playing fields for the island’s youth and island community as a whole. In this conversation, we will be exploring the current recreational assets and future goals of the community with the objective of working together to minimize logistical and fiscal challenges, while maximizing efficiency and benefit.

Rachael Freeman, executive director, Nantucket Land Bank

Beth Hallett, superintendent, Nantucket Public Schools