Groundbreaking held for new athletic facilities

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While most non profit organizations have put expansion plans on hold due to the sluggish economy, American International College has opted to move forward with construction on a $4.3 million project.

City leaders joined AIC students, administrators and trustees for the official groundbreaking for new athletic facilities on Wednesday, May 6 at 11:30 a.m.

John T. Short, vice president for institutional advancement, said the new facilities will accommodate the needs of AIC's intercollegiate teams, as well as enable the expansion of intramural programs, and allow for greater student and community usage of facilities.

The new construction will include taking out grass and installing artificial turf, lights, new grandstands, and a new press box.

The project, financed by Westfield Bank, will be constructed by Mountain View Landscapes and Lawncare, Inc., of Chicopee, thereby providing local jobs and economic stimulus to the local economy.

"This project is important, not only to the college, but to the community, as well. With the new facilities we will be able to accommodate the needs of our intercollegiate teams, expand our intramural usage and expand student and community usage of facilities," he said.

A large portion of the funding for the project is coming from the AIC students. Darren James, president of the AIC Student Government, said the students have pledged $50,000 for the new facility. "The money we donate to the capital campaign will help to facilitate the realization of our long-awaited athletic turf field and track," he said.

James, a junior from St. Maarten, Netherlands Antilles, thanked his classmates for the donation. "The students will be happy, our alumni will be proud, and our prospective students will be eager. It hank you for making such a wise and long term decision," he said.

Short said by installing a turf field, it eliminates weather concerns, and by adding lights, it will increase the amount of time the field can be used, not only by the college, but by the community, as well.

"In addition, we are building a new track, which will serve our teams that have been using other facilities," Short said. "Inside the track will be a new soccer field which will be used by the AIC soccer teams. We are also hoping city leagues will also take advantage of the new facilities."

The slumping economy actually worked to the project's favor according to Short. "Because of economic conditions, bids came in a little lower than anticipated," he said.

"This really a win-win situation. We are helping to stimulate economy by creating jobs locally, and providing new facilities for our students and the community."

Short said while Westfield Bank is providing the financing, the college fundraising efforts have really made the project possible. "Most non profits planning capital projects put them on hold when the economy tanked. We were able to raise enough money to move forward on the project."