PROVIDENCE SCHOOLS INVITES THE PUBLIC TO RIBBON CUTTING AND GRAND OPENING OF NEW CLASSICAL HIGH TURF FIELD ON MAY 22

PROVIDENCE, RI – The Providence Public School District (PPSD) is thrilled to announce the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the newly completed Classical High School Turf Field. The event took place on Monday, May 22 at 5:15 PM, just prior to the Girls Lacrosse Game against North Smithfield at 6:00 PM. The new Classical High School Turf Field will serve as the home ground for six high school sports, including Football, Soccer, Boys Lacrosse, Girls Lacrosse, Field Hockey, and Softball. Its state-of-the-art features will undoubtedly elevate the athletic experience for our students and the Providence community.

Providence Mayor Smiley, Commissioner Infante-Green, Superintendent Montañez, Principal Scott Barr, members of the Providence City Council, members of the Providence School Board, community stakeholders, parents and students were present at the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

“Classical High School’s new and improved field is yet another example of what is possible when we all come together to make the right investments in our kids,” said Governor Dan McKee. “My administration has been focused on creating more modern, welcoming school facilities statewide because we know they enhance students’ educational experiences and can have a positive impact on student engagement and achievement. I congratulate Classical High School on the completion of this project and look forward to seeing students compete and have fun on their new turf.”

“Investments in these facilities represent our commitment to giving our students the resources they need to succeed,” said Mayor Brett Smiley. “This field will bring our community together and give our students a platform to pursue their passions, learn new skills, and foster lifelong friendships.”

 

“We’re thrilled to celebrate yet another Providence Public School District landmark investment that will benefit generations of students to come,” said Commissioner Infante-Green. “By investing in the spaces our kids learn and grow in, we are sending a clear message that we care about them and their educational journey. We remain committed to making continued investments from the school department that will ensure more Providence students have access to modern facilities that help them thrive beyond the classroom. Congratulations to the entire Classical High School community on this new field!”

“Today marks a significant milestone for Classical High School and the entire Providence community. The completion of the Classical High School Turf Field represents our dedication to creating a safe and enriching environment for our student-athletes,” said Providence Public School District Superintendent Dr. Javier Montañez. “We are grateful for the collaborative efforts of all those involved in making this project a reality, and we look forward to the countless opportunities this field will provide for our students to excel both academically and athletically.”

“As a proud Classical graduate, I couldn’t be more thrilled for the students and community to start using this cutting-edge athletic field,” said Providence School Board President Erlin Rogel. “Let this moment be a testament to our collective commitment to excellence, where our students will grow, thrive, and forge lasting memories. Here’s to fostering teamwork, sportsmanship, and a bright future for generations to come.”

This remarkable achievement is the result of a complete team effort from the PPSD, reflecting our commitment to providing top-notch facilities for our students. We invite everyone to join us and celebrate the inauguration of this beautiful facility, which we expect to serve the community for the next decade.

The Classical Field Replacement project was approved in the spring of 2022. The construction began in March 2023 and concluded in late April. The project, with a total cost of approximately $677,000, brings significant enhancements to ensure the safety of our student-athletes and spectators. One notable addition is the safety pad installed beneath the turf, providing an extra layer of protection. Moreover, we are actively working on the installation of safety netting in the north end zone. This netting will prevent balls from leaving the field, ensuring the safety of passing vehicles and eliminating the need for individuals to retrieve game balls from the street.

Providence Schools celebrate this monumental achievement for Classical High School and the Providence community.