Gov. Healey says Massachusetts will fund additional $12 million in capital funds

The $70 million Fieldhouse+ project broke ground on Thursday morning to great fanfare, boasting a notable guest list, while also delivering a surprise announcement from Gov. Maura Healey of a new $12 million commitment to the ongoing fundraising effort.

The 75,000 sq. ft. project on a city-owned parcel along Mt. Vernon Street on Columbia Point will combine an expansive indoor athletic facility for young people and community members with a wellness and social-emotional programming space, while also delivering an inclusive environment for those with physical and intellectual disabilities. It’s the result of a partnership between the Martin Richard Foundation, the Boys and Girls Clubs of Dorchester (BGCD), and the City of Boston.

The new funding announcement brought the fundraising total to $55 million as construction starts.

“I’m happy to say that our administration is authorizing $12 million in capital funding to support the construction of the Fieldhouse+,” Healey said as hundreds at the event erupted into applause. “I can’t think of a better investment to make than this investment…With all the uncertainty now going on, let’s take a minute and take a break and enjoy something that is awesome and good and shows what we can do when we’re all rowing in the same direction.”

Bill Richard, co-founder of the Martin Richard Foundation and father of the late Martin Richard – who died at the age of 8 in the terrorist attack on the 2013 Boston Marathon—was so overcome with excitement at Healey’s announcement that he sprinted to the stage and gave the governor a high-five.

Bill Richard, co-founder of the Martin Richard Foundation, ran on stage and gave Gov. Healey a high five. Seth Danie lphoto

It was one of many moments throughout the 1.5 hour ceremony where tears of joy were shed in what was roundly described as a milestone moment for the neighborhood and the whole city.

“It was super-emotional for me when you called and gave us the head’s up (on that commitment) because I think we’d all have fallen off our chairs today if we hadn’t known ahead of time,” Richard told Healey later. “I want you to know we won’t let you down, we won’t let the state down, because this is going to be an incredible project that will change lives.”

Bob Scannell, president and CEO of BGCD, added: “Wow. That changes things a little bit. I don’t know what to say other than your investment to the youth of our city means we’re going to get there…We may not have gotten there without that kind of infusion.”

Bill Richard - speaking for his wife Denise, son Henry, and daughter Jane – shared that an indoor facility for Dorchester kids has been a long-standing dream. Many years ago, he and a friend had conjured up an idea to buy the old Ashmont Tire shop in Peabody Square and convert it into a field house. With no funding, it didn’t fly at the time.

“The Fieldhouse was born of necessity, of parents that wanted better for their kids,” he said. “We were tired and cold sitting together in worn facilities, and yes, we were envious when we went to those leafy suburbs for long weekend sports tournaments. The need was there, but it just took someone crazy as me to say, ‘Let’s go for it.’”

Denise Richard, Savannah, Henry Richard, Marathon champion and Olympic medalist Meb Keflezighi, and Bill Richard. Seth Daniel photo

He added: “We lost Martin 12 years ago this week and obviously he would love a place like the Fieldhouse. I think of him often playing in gyms, on the baseball diamond, and shooting pucks and competing – meeting new friends and forging memories. I am still in awe of the reaction we get from all of you after all these years and that you’re willing to follow us on these crazy dreams.”

Scannell said the Fieldhouse+ will serve all of the existing 4,000 members of BGCD, and it will likely add another 5,000 young people to the mix from the abutting Ruth Batson 7-12 Academy, who will have full access during the school day and play sports there.

“All these kids here deserve to have the same access to world-class facilities as their suburban peers,” Scannell said. “It won’t matter where they come from, what neighborhood they live in, how much money they have, the color of their skin or anything else…this will be a place for them. We know we can do more, and this facility will allow us to do just that.”

Mayor Michelle Wu called the new facility "game-changing, life-changing, city-changing” for generations to come.

"I'm so honored and grateful to be in this role now, having received the baton from city officials, administrations before," Wu said. "We're going to keep running forward through the finish line. This Fieldhouse+ is going to be home for generations of kids who are going to turn into teenagers, who are going to turn into the leaders sitting in these seats and making the next round of changes that will shape our city for decades and generations to come.”

The project already has full approvals and a building permit, allowing construction to begin right away.

Members of the BGCD team at today's groundbreaking. Photo courtesy Linda Dorcena Forry

Dorchester’s RODE Architects are meshing the design and construction planning right now with Dorchester-based General Contractor Lee Kennedy Co., whose CEO Lee Kennedy is the chair of the BGCD Board and has “his very best team” on the project, Scannell said.

The first work to be done will be on the foundation, as well as driving in pressure injected footings to support the weight of the building. All of that will take place through the summer as fundraising continues to secure the remaining $15 million. Kennedy noted they believe they could possibly finish the project in 2026.

State Rep. Dan Hunt speaks as North End state Rep. Aaron Michlewitz, chairman of the Committee on Ways and Means, looks on. Seth Daniel photo

Others speakers included U.S. Sen. Ed Markey, Congressman Stephen Lynch, state Sen. Nick Collins, state Rep. Dan Hunt, state Rep. Aaron Michlewitz, state Rep. Chris Worrell, Councillor John FitzGerald, Councillor Erin Murphy, Council President Ruthzee Louijeune, former Mayor Marty Walsh, and former Councillor Frank Baker.

The ceremony concluded with a large groundbreaking on the site in front of heavy construction equipment.
Richard left the podium during his speech with a parting thought on the values that will be taught alongside sports, wellness, and music lessons inside the new facility.

“I suspect we all share many of the same qualities of Martin, or maybe it just feels right to help others,” he noted.

Emcee Hadi Bah, who was also on the Youth Advisory Board, BGCD member (and National Anthem singer) Noa Taylor, and BGCD kitchen staff Dylan Scollins. Seth Daniel photo

Karyna Cheung contributed to this report.

Anonymous donor pledges to name rooftop deck after long-time leader Queenette Santos

Queenie Santos (left) is moved to tears after hearing from BGCD President and CEO Bob Scannell that the rooftop deck would be named after her. Seth Daniel photo

Part of the festivities on Thursday focused on 30-year BGCD leader Quenette ‘Queenie’ Santos – who has lived on Columbia Point for 60 years and worked as a youth development leader at BGCD for 30 years. During the speaking program, BGCD President and CEO Bob Scannell revealed that an anonymous donor had requested that the rooftop deck and garden on the Fieldhouse+ be named in her honor.

“The opportunity in that space will be amazing,” said Scannell. “To me, your story is a wonderful story. For you to come though all you saw, the great stuff and not so great stuff, and now for the work you do this anonymous donor wants to recognize you. It will be done with this very permanent space that will have your name on it.”

Moved to tears, Santos said, “Thirty years ago Bob did all the hiring, and I told him I would give him one year as the teen director. It’s been 30 now and I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

From the BGCD team Queenie Santos, Katie Sullivan, and Erin Ferrara. Seth Daniel photo

Mayor Michelle Wu. Seth Daniel photo

Emmett Folgert and Don Walsh. Seth Daniel photo

Parent Jorge Diaz, BGCD’s Chad Hassey, BGCD’s Brendan McDonald, and Savin Hill’s Roger Croke. Seth Daniel photo