How You Can Help

Crocker Field Restoration Committee has been instrumental in convening partnerships with the City of Fitchburg, the Fitchburg Public Schools, corporations, local organizations, grant sources, and individual benefactors since 2004. We have completed over 2 million dollars in renovation work to the fencing, grandstands, field house, lights, and field because of the desire to save this field for future generations.

Our Current Project: Capital Campaign

Over the last decade or more, the quality of the natural grass field and lighting has become unreliable, unsafe, and in poor condition, which has severely limited the use of Crocker Field. The running track and lighting system is over 35 years old and must be replaced.

The goal for the next phase of the Crocker Field restoration plan is to:

• Replace natural grass field with artificial turf
• Replace track
• Upgrade stadium lighting

The projected budget for this phase of the Crocker Field Restoration is $3,103,521– $3,500,000.

Site planning has already been completed by our vendor Gale Associates. Gale is ready to commence with the next phases of the project as soon as we achieve our discretionary fund-raising goal. We would like to complete the installation of the artificial turf field and upgraded lighting by September 1, 2023.

The outcome would result in a major increase in access and provide equity both in who can play on the field and create parity with the other communities surrounding Fitchburg that have modern field facilities on which to practice and play.

Unrestricted Contributions

While we are engaged in a major campaign to fund the wonderful new renovations to the 104-year-old field and to resurface the 34-year-old track and similarly dated lights in order to increase access and equity, there are other projects that need attention as well. These are funded mostly through unrestricted gifts from individuals, corporations, and philanthropies.
Over the past 20 years, the Committee has used unrestricted funds to improve the grandstands, the fieldhouse, and the perimeter fencing. The benefactors who contribute to Crocker Field in memory of a loved one or in memory of some milestone or graduating class have been critical to doing this work. Similarly, donations by businesses, foundations, and grants are all part of a collaborative effort to restore Crocker Field to its full use.
Since Crocker Field is on the National Register of Historic Sites due to its Olmsted design of the landscape and facilities, we have received matching grants from the Massachusetts Historical Preservation Commission. The Commission stipulates that all renovations must be consistent with what the Olmstead designers envisioned. Thus, materials used like the stone in the cement or the stucco, or metal in downspouts must match to the original designs as much as possible. For example, the grandstand seats are made from three-inch-thick Southern Cypress. To restore the covered grandstand seating which is now underway, this special wood must be found, purchased and shipped from Georgia, milled to its curved dimensions and installed. This is being done with gifts from individuals and smaller-scale fundraising.