Does York deserve Home field advantage?

The current track and playing field at York High School has reached the end of its useful life. As a result the York School Department has begun the process to replace York High School's current track and playing field with an Athletic Complex that meets the requirements to host regional track meets, is ADA compliant and contributes to better overall health and wellness among its students, York residents, and town visitors.

Investing in a new high school athletic complex will have far-reaching benefits beyond providing spaces for sports. The positive impact on student engagement, school culture, community involvement, and overall well-being will be invaluable.

In the fall of 2023, the York School Department contracted with CHA Consulting Inc., an engineering consulting firm, to assess York High School's track and playing fields. Home to YHS's track, football, soccer, lacrosse, and field hockey programs, CHA concluded that the 40-year-old track and grass field had surpassed its useful life.

Proposed Complex Improvements 

Field Expansion

The athletic complex— home to York High School's football, boys and girls soccer, boys and girls lacrosse, and field hockey— will need to be widened. It will accommodate a 195-foot soccer field (up from 180'), which is preferred and on par with other Maine high school fields.

Track Surface

The latex surface of the current 6-lane track has separated from the asphalt below, causing and urgent safety concern. The replacement track would remain six lanes with an additional 2-sprint lanes bringing the sprint lanes to 8. The new surface will eliminate the current safety issue and will add additional padding and drainage that will reduce the risk of injury. 

Track & Field Events

Due to space limitations, throwing events practices take place on an upper YHS field that is separate from the track. In order to reduce risk and safety concerns, a safety system would be installed on that upper field to eliminate the risk or errant throwing devices. During competitions, throwing events will take place on the lower field so they can be viewed by Athletic Complex spectators. The field will be resurfaced with turf that will provide padding and reduced maintenance costs over time. More info on this here (Link to Shock pad brochure pg 37 - 42) 

Jumping events—the long jump, triple jump, and pole vaulting events—would be relocated within the Athletic Complex's "D" Zone footprint

Walkways

ADA compliant permanent asphalt pathways with pedestrian light poles and signage will be installed to lead spectators from parking areas to stadium bleachers.

Lighting Improvement

A proposed 4-pole field LED lighting system with state-of-the-art Musco lighting. The system features innovative focusing fixtures that preserve privacy for neighboring properties.Pedestrian lighting will also be added to guide spectators to the bleachers and complex safely.

Scoreboard Improvements

The outdated scoreboard will be replaced with a multi-sport scoreboard.

Visitors Section

The current visitor's section consists of temporary moveable bleachers. A new section for visiting team families and fans is included in the plan.

Ticket Booth

An enclosed, permanent ticket booth would be located prior to the entrance to the fields.

Fencing

The proposed plan includes fencing around the track to provide separation of spectators from athletes and coaches for improved athlete experience. The existing 6-foot fence around the field will remain.

ADA Compliance

Along with a lighted pathway from the existing parking lot there will be an additional three designated accessible parking spots located near the athletic complex. The existing ramp that is currently available to the bleachers for spectators, it is difficult to navigate and will be replaced. ADA accessible stalls will be included in the new restroom facility.

Complex Parking

In addition to three accessible parking spots for disabled visitors by the Athletic Complex, plans include a half dozen parking spots for facilities, maintenance, and emergency vehicles and a turnaround for vehicles. Parking for able-bodied spectators remains on the upper fields.

Other Proposed Upgrades

Participants in public forums have suggested these additions: Restroom facilities structure, pedestrian lights along the walkways, and an archway to the complex. These proposals are under advisement and have been added to the plans.

Athletic Complex Documents

Athletic Complex Feasibility Final Report, Jan. 24, 2025

Athletic Complex Renderings

Nov. 15, 2023 Rendering from CHA Athletic Complex 

FAQs Seacoast News Story

Athletic Complex Brochure

Input from York Community

The York School Department invited the public to three public forums. In addition, residents were invited to attend town of York Budget Committee hearings. It is estimated that the York School Department heard from 100 York residents. They were overwhelmingly supportive of the plan, and in fact, asked that we add pedestrian lighting, two additional sprint lanes, and a restroom facility to the Athletic Complex plan.