Photos by David Porter

A groundbreaking ceremony was held at the high school on Monday to mark the start of the project to renovate and reorient the track and interior athletic field. The ceremony was hosted by the Regional school district and school committee, and the towns of Amherst, Leverett, Pelham, and Shutesbury. The event also recognized and celebrated the achievements of several of the athletics teams.

The reconstruction will feature several significant improvements including a new eight-lane running track, new perimeter fencing, new LED field lighting system, a reoriented north-south playing field with a natural grass surface, and a second new playing field to be built west of the track. View the complete track and field improvement plans.

“This exciting project represents a significant investment in our students, our schools, and our broader community,” said Dr. Xiomara Herman, Superintendent of the Amherst-Pelham Regional School District.

The project is expected to be completed this summer, with the new track ready for the spring 2026 season. The athletic fields are expected to be ready for use by the fall 2026 season after allowing for sufficient growth of the natural grass fields.

Clockwise from top left: groundbreaking event attendees; Superintendent Dr. Xiomara Herman; ARHS Principal Talib Sadiq; ARHS girls track team (2025 State Champions); Amherst town councilors; Regional school committee members and district staff; Amherst Town Council Vice President George Ryan; ARHS student athlete Ololara Baptiste; ARHS student athlete Ellis Rubin.