Nora Searle Field and Track
On September 26, Dover Sherborn High School celebrated the reopening of the Nora Searle Field and Track after a full renovation project. Originally installed in 2012, the facility had vastly exceeded its typical ten-year lifespan. After thirteen years of heavy use in all seasons, both the turf and track needed to be replaced.
The renovation introduced several key improvements. The new turf features Brock fill, a natural wood infill chosen as an environmentally responsible alternative to encapsulated rubber. Energy-efficient LED lighting was added to improve on-field visibility while reducing light spill into the surrounding area. The track itself was resurfaced in royal blue, reflecting the Dover Sherborn Raiders’ colors.
A major component of the project is the installation of a new K-array USA professional sound system, installed by local integrators Central Communications Systems. The previous system struggled to reach the full stadium, leaving spectators on the visitors’ side and in far bleachers unable to clearly hear announcements or music. Built around the press box for central placement, the new sound system provides full, even coverage across the turf and spectator areas. Four Python-KP52W I line array loudspeakers, mounted beneath and above the commentator booth, cover the home stands, with two speakers positioned horizontally in flood mode to widen dispersion and clarity across the front stands. Two Python-KP102W I line array loudspeakers extend projection across the field and to the far visitors' side, while a weather-resistant Rumble-KU315 subwoofer installed beneath the bleachers provides enough ground-shaking low-frequency to intimidate Dover-Sherborn’s opponents.
A Kommander-KA104 amplifier and compact mixer inside the press box, along with a wired microphone and music streaming device, give student broadcaster Sebastian Hussar and Brad Crandall of DSCTV easy control for announcements, ceremonies, and pre-game music.
With the new turf, track surface, LED lighting, and K-array audio system in place, the renovated Nora Searle Field and Track now combine sustainability and performance to support student-athletes and school events for the next decade.
Acknowledgements
Integrators: Central Communications Systems, Inc
Project Coordinators: Activitas Inc.
Construction: MJ Cataldo
