Forbes Field Reopened with Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Post date: Sep 09, 2014 12:9:10 PM

Over the past year, Forbes Field, located behind Wells Junior High School, has gone through an extensive and thorough renovation project to install new turf, an irrigation system, fencing, and an eight lane track. Later this fall, new spectator seating will be installed.

But on the afternoon of September 3rd, there wasn’t a construction worker, earth mover or dump truck to be found near the field as a group consisting of District administrators, coaches, athletes and spectators gathered on the field’s lush green grass for a ribbon cutting ceremony to officially reopen Forbes Field. The field had been closed to students and the public for a full year in part to let the newly installed turf take root.

“It is with great pleasure that I welcome you all to the official reopening of the Forbs Field Athletic Complex,” said WOCSD Superintendent Ellen Schneider who spoke at a microphone with School Committee members and others including grandsons (Joe and Matt Forbes) of the late Vander and Marguerite Forbes behind her.

Schneider acknowledged the past “great support” of the Forbes family. “As we reopen the newly renovated field and track complex it is an appropriate occasion to remind folks of the generosity of the Forbes family in providing the original facility to our students at Wells-Ogunquit,” said the Superintendent.

Joe Forbes spoke briefly before he and Matt Forbes cut a ceremonial ribbon to reopen the field originally named in honor of their grandparents in 1988.

“I would like to thank the administration, staff and the students and Wells Warriors,” said Joe Forbes pointing to the girls Field Hockey Team behind him. Forbes indicated that Forbes Field began 28 years ago with “a thought” in the minds of his father and other Wells citizens.

During the ceremony, WHS Football Coach Tim Roche, who knew Vander Forbes for about 17 years, also spoke. Roche indicated that Vander Forbes did not want the field named in his honor but in his parents honor. “There is not a place you look at right now…that wasn’t touched by the Forbes family, the bleachers, the lights, the fields, the track, the fencing that was here. Vander Forbes had everything to do with that,” said Roche.

Prior to the ribbon cutting, Superintendent Schneider acknowledged Ron Lamarre of Lavallee Brensinger, Kylie Mason of Sebago Technics, and Andy LePage of SUR Construction. “As they are the ones who have worked so hard to design and bring this field to fruition,” said Schneider.

After the ribbon was cut the Superintendent concluded the ceremony. “And with that I would say good luck to our Lady Warriors and let the game begin.” Soon after the assembled Lady Warriors began a field hockey game with North Yarmouth Academy.

Caption: With Superintendent Ellen Schneider looking on, Matt Forbes (left) and Joe Forbes cut a ribbon to officially reopen Forbes Field.

Caption: A section of the new quarter mile track on Forbes Field officially reopened on September 3, 2014.