FUND THE FIELD
Piper Field has reached the end of its 10 year lifespan.
Important safety and technological updates are needed to keep this critical centerpiece of our community open and our athletes and programs both protected and advancing.
The 2023 Fund the Field Campaign has been established to both maintain and revitalize Piper Field
in exciting, community-driven ways.
UPCOMING EVENTS
- April 27th and 28thMarblehead Veterans SchoolApril 27th and 28thMarblehead Veterans School, 217 Pleasant St, Marblehead, MA 01945, USA
Donations are gratefully received via check, Paypal, Venmo, all major credit cards and draft.
Sponsorship Levels are outlined below.
Click on an image to make a Community Changing Donation
that will be permanently etched at the new and improved Piper Field.
Checks can be mailed to:
Marblehead All-Sports Boosters
PO Box 244
Marblehead, MA 01945
If you prefer, you may also donate via Venmo @FundtheField
Click or scan the QR Code below:
This video below was made by two Class of '23 Seniors who devoted their spring to aiding the MHS Boosters. Listen to their perspective on why Piper Field is such a vital part of our Marblehead Community.
FAQ's
How do we know the turf needs replacing?
In 2021 we did a GMAX test which measures how hard and compacted the surface is and if it would be safe if a player were to fall and hit their head. Several areas were at, or slightly below the suggested safety range. It was also noted that we were low on the rubber fill which was corrected at the time. The fiber is worn down so adding additional rubber at this point doesn’t help much when it has no place to fill. When it rains you can see the rubber fill floating on the surface. We are also starting to notice some seams beginning to show wear. The shedding of the carpet is another sign the turf is in need of replacement. The longer we wait the more dangerous it becomes.
When do we hope the new field will be ready?
We need to meet our fundraising goals by January 2024. The hope is that, if we are successful, the field will be replaced in Summer 2024.
What happens in another 10 years when we need additional replacements?
The current Fund the Field Board is working to set in place a permanent Fund, in conjunction with all of our town sports organizations so that we do not have to do this large-scale fundraising every 10-12 years.
What happens if we don't replace the turf?
The turf will have to be shut down. The main danger is head injuries from hitting the surface of an artificial turf that has lost some its shock absorbency from age. It will then be impossible to field all of the Marblehead activities that Piper hosts across the other spaces in town. All activities, whether indoor or outdoor will be impacted.
Piper is utilized 7 days a week, at all hours of the day and is the only field where play is possible in bad weather.
What's next?
Starting this August, you will see many events that will be run by countless volunteers, both young and old, to help us meet our $1 MILLION DOLLAR GOAL to Fund the Field. We would love to see you at our Fund the Field Summer Soiree, a homecoming event, a youth sports clinic, a cocktail party, the Fund the Field 5K, the Tedesco golf outing, a harbor cruise, or indeed, all of the above! Together, with your love of Marblehead and all of our donations, we can achieve this goal for our town.
How can I help?
Please consider donating by clicking below or email us if have questions or you are interested in helping the campaign.
We look forward to hopefully seeing you on the new field in 2024!
Click below to follow us on Instagram to hear about upcoming events!
Email with any questions:
Thank you for helping us make Marblehead the community that it is!
FUND THE FIELD COMMITTEE
Lauren Andriano
Amy Annese
Andrew Bentley
Mandy Caruso
Greg Ceglarski
Ted Cook
Rob Day
Allie Donovan
Kathy Doody
Victoria Dosch
Susannah Forbes
Evan Harris
Kristen Jellison
Chris Kennedy
Mary Kinahan
Autumn Moran
Muffy Paquette
Nicole Salemi
Steve Salemi
Ross Schieffer
Peter Twadell
Jon Wales
Denis Whalen
