August 7, 2026
Dear Yarmouth Families,
I am writing to share an update on a facilities proposal currently being considered by the Town of Yarmouth. The Yarmouth Track, Turf & Playground Facilities Project would replace the aging synthetic turf field and running track at Yarmouth High School (YHS), replace and improve the playground at Yarmouth Elementary School (YES), and expand outdoor recreation and accessibility at Harrison Middle School (HMS).
These projects address different needs across our schools. The YHS synthetic turf field and track have reached the end of their expected service lives and are showing significant deterioration. The YES playground is more than 25 years old, and replacement parts for some of the existing equipment are no longer available, creating ongoing safety and accessibility concerns. At HMS, the proposal would expand the limited outdoor recreation opportunities currently available to students and provide more inclusive, developmentally appropriate options for students in grades 6–8.
The proposal is the result of extensive review and planning. During the 2025–2026 school year, the district worked with study groups, school and community representatives, students, professional engineers, athletic facility consultants, and playground specialists to evaluate facility conditions, safety and accessibility, available options, environmental considerations, long-term use, and cost. Dr. Andrew Dolloff presented his recommendation to the School Committee in May, and on July 9, following additional review and discussion, the School Committee voted unanimously to advance the project to the Town Council.
The total estimated cost of the combined project is $3,143,475. The School Department has accumulated approximately $1.1 million in reserves specifically to help fund the replacement of the track and turf. Applying those funds to the project reduces the proposed borrowing to $2,050,000.
On August 6, the School Committee’s proposal was presented to the Yarmouth Town Council, requesting that the Council place a $2.05 million bond question on the November ballot for consideration by Yarmouth voters. The proposal now moves to the next stage of the Town’s review process. The Town Council is scheduled to discuss the request at its August 13 Operations Committee meeting, followed by a vote on August 20 on whether to advance the bond question to voters in November.
If the Town Council approves the request, Yarmouth voters will make the final decision on the project in November. If the bond is approved by voters, construction is anticipated to begin in spring/summer 2027.
We recognize that community members will have questions about the proposal. We have developed a Frequently Asked Questions document that provides additional information. You may also review Dr. Andrew Dolloff's May 6 Recommendation for a more detailed history and analysis of the project, as well as the August 6 Town Council Presentation for an overview of the proposal. If the project is placed on the November ballot, we also plan to hold community forums this fall to provide families and community members with opportunities to learn more about the project and ask questions.
We will continue to keep you informed as the process moves forward. Thank you for taking the time to learn more about the project and the next steps in this community process.
Sincerely,
Shanna Crofton