Winchester Field Development Council’s Phase Two Underway at Manchester Field

The Winchester Field Development Council is in Phase Two of the Manchester Field Renovation Project, according to Paul Manganaro. At Monday night's selectmen’s meeting, Arbella Insurance and Saltmarsh Insurance donated a combined amount of $5,000 to the Manchester Renovation Project. The non-profit organization’s effort to build the new field adjacent to has reached the final turn and is headed for the home stretch.

“This project is the only one like it in town for raising money for everyone in Winchester regardless of age and special interest,” Manganaro said. “We haven’t had a useable track in decade. People were out on the old dirt track risking personal injury just to get a workout.”

Phase Two of development is highlighted by a new Track and Field facility, which will be built at the front of Manchester Field. The Track will have eight lanes on the front straight away and six lanes on the turns and down the backside of the field. There will also be two Shot Put areas, two long jump pits, one high jump platform and a netted-in discuss platform. The total cost of this project is $911,000 of which $200,000 comes from public money, provided that the balance of $711,000 is secured by June 30 of this year.

“At one time it looked impossible. A year and a half ago, we couldn’t see the finish line,” said Paul Manganaro. “Not only can we can see the finish line, we can smell it. If the fund goal is met, the field will be completed this summer.”

The WFDC’s Final Hurdle benefit night is scheduled for April 28 at Frattaroli Ristorante at 283 Causeway Street in the North End of Boston from 7-11 p.m. Interested parties will pay $50 per person for a five course meal, entertainment, cash bar, transportation from Winchester to the restaurant and a live auction. Tickets may be purchased at www.wfdc.net or by contacting Paul Manganaro at 781-315-1962. All proceeds will go to the Help Us Finish The Fields program to support the efforts of Phase Two.