Pawtucket, school department, and Colliers Project Leaders to transform McCoy Stadium and Pariseau Field

Pawtucket, RI The City of Pawtucket, in partnership with the Pawtucket School Department and Colliers Project Leaders, have made known the closure of McCoy Stadium and Pariseau Field as preparations begin for the construction of a new high school. 

This transformative project marks a new chapter for Pawtucket. It involves constructing a new high school as a cornerstone for education and community development. The new facility will provide students and educators with advanced resources and a dynamic environment for learning and growth.

The construction team was scheduled to begin mobilizing on-site at the end of February. During mobilization, access to the stadium parking lot as well as Pariseau Field will be suspended until construction is over. Construction teams will concentrate on site preparation activities, demolishing existing structures, and preparing the ground for ground improvement work this summer.

“This is a significant moment for our city as we take a major step toward building a brighter future for Pawtucket. McCoy Stadium holds a special place in the hearts of so many, filled with cherished memories of baseball games, concerts, and community events. While we honor and celebrate its rich history, we also move forward and focus on what’s next for our city” said mayor Donald Grebien. “We are creating a state-of-the-art high school that invests in our students, our families, and our entire community. This project will provide transformative opportunities for generations to come, and we thank our residents for their support and patience as we embark on this critical journey together.”

“As the mayor said, entering the demolition phase of this project is bittersweet for many in Pawtucket, me included. I grew up a block from McCoy and the stadium was essentially the backdrop for my entire childhood. It even provided me with my very first job hawking popcorn and peanuts in the stands” said Pawtucket City Council president Terrence  Mercer. “But that’s the past; this project is about the future, the future of Pawtucket, and the future of generations of students thirsty for knowledge and growth, and eager for the additional CTE training that will assuredly make attainable the bright future we wish for them.”

“The demolition of McCoy Stadium signifies the end of an era in Pawtucket, but it also initiates a new chapter in which our high school students will attend a state-of-the-art facility designed to enhance their future and cultivate their potential. We are committed to continuing McCoy Stadium’s legacy by establishing a school that will host our students’ aspirations, joy, and success, by providing enhanced educational opportunities for the residents of our city. The construction of our new unified high school will serve as a beacon and symbol of collaboration between city hall, the city council, the school committee, and, most importantly, the residents of Pawtucket.” said Pawtucket School Committee chair Omar Reyes and vice chair Joanne Bonollo.

“The new Unified High School represents a significant commitment to the future of our students, providing them with a dynamic and enriching educational setting that fosters academic excellence, innovation, and community pride.  While we honor and cherish the memories of McCoy Stadium, a beloved landmark in our city’s history, we are now pouring that same passion, dedication, and spirit into our students.  The opening of the new high school will feature Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs designed to provide invaluable opportunities for students, marking an exciting step forward in educational development.  This new high school will serve as a foundation for opportunity, equity, and success, ensuring that every student is prepared to thrive in an ever-changing world.” said superintendent of Pawtucket Schools, Patricia Royal, Ed. S..

The city, school department, and Colliers Project Leaders are dedicated to keeping residents informed throughout this process. Additional outreach will include communications with property abutters to address any potential encroachments.

The city of Pawtucket thanks residents for their support and patience during this critical transition. As information becomes available, the project will be updated, including details about the groundbreaking event.