Milford Schools is planning a new facility at Charity Lucas Field that will provide permanent restrooms, team locker rooms and an upgraded concession stand for student-athletes, families and visitors.
Developed in partnership with the Milford Athletic Boosters, the project will address several longstanding needs at the complex, including additional restrooms and dedicated changing areas, amenities that the current facility does not provide for student-athletes and spectators.
What Will the New Facility Include?
The proposed building will bring several important amenities together under one roof, including:
Team locker rooms: Two locker rooms, each equipped with 25 lockers and team benches, providing student-athletes with dedicated spaces to prepare for practices and games.
Upgraded concession stand: A concession area with exterior service windows, food preparation space and sinks to better serve visitors during athletic events.
Heating and cooling: A fully equipped heating, ventilation and air conditioning system to support use of the building throughout the year.
Fiber Internet Connections & Cameras: Plans also include provisions for fiber internet connectivity and security cameras. These improvements would support electronic payments at the concession stand and provide additional security coverage around the facility.
Indoor Space During Severe Weather: The new facility would provide student-athletes and coaching staff with access to an indoor space during severe weather that may occur during practices or games, an option that is not currently available at the field.
Understanding How the Project Will Be Funded
One important aspect of this project is where the funding comes from and how those dollars can legally be used.
The proposed improvements would be funded through remaining proceeds from the voter-approved bond levy for the Milford Middle School construction project, including investment earnings, along with a contribution from the Milford Athletic Boosters.
The new Milford Middle School, completed in 2025, came in under budget. As a result, the district has remaining construction funds that may only be used for other eligible facility improvements.
Because these funds came from a construction bond, they cannot be used for everyday school operating expenses. That means the money cannot be redirected toward staff salaries, classroom supplies or other general operating costs like transportation. It must be used for purposes permitted under the bond and applicable laws.
The project also involves excessive investment earnings from the middle school bond, known as arbitrage. When the district earns more interest from investing bond proceeds than it pays in interest on those bonds, the difference is considered arbitrage earnings.
Federal regulations may require certain excess earnings to be paid to the IRS rather than returned to local taxpayers. By using available, eligible construction funds for improvements at Charity Lucas Field, the district can address longstanding facility needs while following applicable funding requirements.
Supporting Students and the Community
Improving the concession area and surrounding facilities at Charity Lucas Field has long been a priority for the Milford Athletic Boosters. Through this partnership, Milford Schools is excited to help bring these much-needed improvements to life, creating a better experience for our student-athletes, families and community.
While the primary purpose of the project is to better serve Milford's student-athletes and spectators, the improvements could also benefit the broader community.
Charity Lucas Field is used for athletic activities beyond regular district events. Adding permanent restrooms, locker rooms and an improved concession stand would make the complex more accommodating for outside organizations and groups interested in renting the facility.
These improvements could also create opportunities for additional rental revenue to support district operations.
What Happens Next?
A construction timeline has not yet been established. The district will continue working through the planning process and share additional information as details are finalized. Previously purchased "legacy bricks" at Charity Lucas will be unaffected by construction.
Milford Schools appreciates the continued partnership of the Milford Athletic Boosters in helping improve athletic facilities and support opportunities for students.
Together, these improvements would address longstanding facility needs while creating a better experience for student-athletes, families and everyone who visits Charity Lucas Field.