Partners celebrate Buckman Field renovation

"All of us in the Benson community have been anticipating this moment," said Benson Principal Steve Olczak at the June 1 dedication.

The $2.3 million in improvements to the city-owned Buckman Field include all-weather synthetic turf and better lighting. One playing area is designed primarily for football, baseball and softball, and another for soccer and lacrosse.

Benson students will use the field, but because bleachers weren't included in the renovation, Benson will use the playing areas mostly for practice.

Also using the public field will be St. Mary’s Academy students and members of the Portland City United Soccer Club. Both helped pay for the project. In addition, the city of Portland, Nike and Portland Public Schools provided funds.

"Our vision is to have this happen at fields across the city," said Superintendent Carole Smith about the renovation.

With the project complete, Benson is one of three PPS high schools to have year-round, safe playing fields. Cleveland and Roosevelt high schools completed field projects in 2008 and 2010, respectively, while Friends of Grant High School is actively raising money for artificial turf.

Lincoln's turf field — used all day long by students, other schools and neighbors — is worn and in need of upgrading.

Chapman Elementary School has gathered $215,000 for a new $250,000 turf field. Ainsworth Elementary School installed a turf field in 2009.

At Portland Public Schools, this is our goal: By the end of elementary, middle, and high school, every student by name will meet or exceed academic standards and will be fully prepared to make productive life decisions. For more information on Portland Public Schools, call 503-916-3304, e-mail us at pubinfo@pps.net, or visit www.pps.k12.or.us. Portland Public Schools is an equal opportunity educator and employer.