The Fields of Dreams (FOD) baseball and softball complex started operations in 1991. The March 17, 2020 referendum will provide funding to address several necessary renovations to the Fields of Dreams complex, which is now more than 30 years old. 

Examples of items that will be completed by the referendum include: address the infield and grass surfaces of the three community fields, install a synthetic turf field for the Varsity Softball field, replace backstop and dugout fencing, replace lighting, provide new concrete and asphalt surfaces, renovate the main concession building, renovate the press box, and expand the storage building.

The current Varsity Baseball bleachers and press box opened in the spring of 1990. While the current field and stands have served our high school baseball program well for a number of years, many of the facilities and equipment are outdated and require replacement.

Examples of items that will be completed by the referendum include: new press box, replace existing bleachers, install infield synthetic turf, replace fencing, and install a batter’s eye.

The Friends of the Fields Committee (FOTF), was formed in 2021 for the purpose of raising additional funds for specific upgrades to the new athletic facilities on the campus of Barrington High School and the district-owned Fields of Dreams complex located just north of BHS.

While the March 17, 2020 referendum funding will accomplish numerous repairs, renovations and improvements to our current fields and facilities, Friends of the Fields decided to pursue the task of raising private funds to pay for specific upgrades above and beyond what was included in the referendum projects.  

The additional upgrades to the Fields of Dreams complex and Varsity Baseball stadium will meet the needs of both the baseball and softball programs by providing a state-of-the-art experience for players at every level of the game from youth players through varsity high school athletes.

Further, the enhancement projects will attract high-level programs and tournaments now and into the future by elevating both the player and spectator experience at these fields with facility attributes that incorporate the latest features seen at modern community and high school ballparks.  

The purpose of this proposal is to provide information to support an informed decision to pledge funds towards proposed upgrades not included in the successful March 17, 2020 referendum. The enhancement projects will support upgrades to the BHS athletic facilities, as well as the Fields of Dreams complex.

Learn more about the project here.

In 2020 voters in Barrington District 220 approved a $147 million bond referendum, the proceeds of which, among other things, will provide funds for long-needed improvements to the athletic facilities throughout Barrington High School and other district schools. 

More particularly, the Board of Education has approved significant upgrades to the Barrington Fields of Dreams (FOD) complex and the Varsity Softball and Varsity Baseball Fields, including renovation of the three FOD grass fields, installation of synthetic turf for the varsity softball field and synthetic turf for the varsity baseball infield, renovation of the FOD concession stand, construction of a new FOD press box, construction of a new press box at the varsity baseball field, new concrete and asphalt surfaces and other much-needed enhancements to the youth, student-athlete and spectator experience.

But there is more that could and should be done, and now is the time to do it!  The referendum monies only go so far, and District 220 has supported the formation of an informal group, under the auspices of the Barrington Horseshoe Club, to lead the Friends of the Fields Above and Beyond Capital Campaign.  The Campaign seeks to raise an additional $3.8 million to fund needed enhancements to the Barrington Fields of Dreams (FOD)/Varsity Softball/Varsity Baseball Field complex not anticipated to be funded by referendum dollars - - that is, to go above and beyond.

Learn more about the project here