MIDDLEBORO – Construction of two new baseball fields is underway thanks to a donation of services from Joe Arruda and Bridgewater-Raynham Sand and Stone.

Bridgewater-Raynham Sand and Stone will complete approximately $300,000 worth of services including clearing the land and spreading loam at no cost to the town according to Park Superintendent Fran Cass.

 Between the donation and approximately $100,000 in Community Preservation Committee funding, the town “should see a completion of this project for well under $150,000,” said Cass.

The project, which has been in the works for approximately eight years, will provide practice space for little league teams and can accommodate other teams such as soccer and ultimate frisbee, said Cass. 

According to Cass, the addition of the new fields will free up space for teams that play at the West Side Complex.

“For the last four to six years, lacrosse has been growing as a sport,” said Cass. “So we thought, you know, the west side would be great for lacrosse, but what could we do with the little league ball field?”

Cass said that Wood Street location’s proximity to the high school and the Field of Dreams will make traveling to games easier for athletes. The location will also include a track along the fields for walkers and runners.

According to Cass, town regulations regarding flooding stalled the project for some time. 

“There was never ever a flooding issue or any rain issue, but we had to do the work required by the town,” said Cass. 

Construction of the fields is scheduled to be completed by spring 2024.