Upgrades to Softball Facilities Planned at O’Connell Field as Part of Hosmer School Project

Ai3 ArchitectsA map of the proposed additions to O’Connell Field, shown in yellow. The white pathways are already in the plans. The athletic fields at O’Connell Field will likely be getting some upgrades as part of the construction of the new Hosmer Elementary School, but some neighbors are concerned about the loss of green space and other issues. At Wednesday night’s School Building Committee meeting, designers presented a preliminary design for upgrades to O’Connell Field, which runs along Mt. Auburn Street in front of the Brigham House and sits next to Hosmer’s playground.

Watertown High School Project Design Sent to State for Approval

Ai3 ArchitectsAn illustration of what the outside of the new Watertown High School will look like. The final design concept for the new Watertown High School project, and the budget of nearly $200 million, received approval from the School Committee and the School Building Committee on Wednesday night. The schematic design report, including the designs and the budget of $198.39 million, will be sent to the Massachusetts School Building Authority Board to be considered at its meeting on March 2, 2022. The project will be paid for by the City of Watertown through borrowing, but it will not require a temporary property tax override to cover the cost, said City Auditor Tom Tracy. “The Town is carrying $200 million in debt services for the high school project,” Tracy said. 

The project design has reached its goal of Zero Net Energy, said Project Designer Jordan of Ai3 Architects, including 1.4 megawatts of electricity to be produced by the solar photovoltaic array at the school.

John Portz Says Farewell to School Committee After 16 Years, Also Served on Town Council

Northeastern UniversityJohn Portz retired from the School Committee in December after 16 years. He also served eight years as a Town Councilor. School Committee Chair John Portz oversaw his final meeting earlier this month, ending not only 16 years on the School Committee but more than 25 years serving the residents of Watertown. At the Dec. 4 meeting, Portz’s colleagues paid tribute to his dedication to the students of Watertown, his steady leadership, and for focusing on working as a team.

Boston’s Prudential Center Turned Blue for Perkins School for the Blind This Month

The Prudential Center sports a blue top and towers over Boston’s Back Bay skyline. The following announcement was provided by Perkins School for the Blind:

Earlier this month, Perkins School for the Blind lit up the Back Bay skyline as part of the Prudential Center’s Annual 31 Nights of Light program. Each night during December the Prudential Tower shines bright to celebrate local Boston-area organizations. Perkins selected Dec. 3, International Day of Persons with Disabilities, to shine a light on the 240 million children around the world with disabilities.

Watertown High School Project Remains On Budget Even With Expanded Gym, Increase in Construction Costs

Ai3 ArchitectsThe size of the gym at the new Watertown High School has been increased by more than 3,200 sq. ft. so it can fit two, full-sized basketball courts. Planning for the new Watertown High School is approaching a critical stage when State officials will lock in the project budget. The School Building Committee learned this week that the new school remains under the $200 million target even accounting for increasing cost of construction and expanding the size of the gym.

Middle & High School Students Wanted to Shovel Snow for Seniors, Can Earn Gift Cards, Community Service Credit

The following information was provided by the City of Watertown:

In coordination with the Watertown Middle School, Watertown High School, Recreation Department, Council on Aging/Senior Center, and the Marshall Home Fund, the City of Watertown is offering a snow-shoveling program specifically for our senior residents over age 60 and those who are disabled. Watertown Middle School and Watertown High School students are matched with senior residents in their neighborhood, and assigned to be responsible for shoveling snow from the sidewalks and driveways for the duration of the winter season. This year, thanks again to generous support from the Marshall Home Fund, students will have an opportunity to earn community service as well as gift cards by assisting with snow shoveling in their neighborhood. Applications for both the residents in need of assistance, and the students volunteering to help them, are available here.