The Bowdoin College Board of Trustees approved final plans for renovations at the Pickard Field athletic complex during its February 9–11 meetings. The long-needed improvements, which will benefit varsity, club, and intramural athletic experiences, include:

• the relocation and reorientation of the baseball, softball, rugby, and practice fields;
• upgrading of baseball, softball, and one multipurpose field to synthetic turf playing surfaces;
• the addition of dark-sky-compliant LED sports lighting for baseball, softball, rugby, the multipurpose field, and the replacement of existing outdated lighting at Howard F. Ryan Field;
• new backstops, dugouts, synthetic turf bullpens and batting cages, press boxes, a storage shed, fencing, scoreboards, and seating.

The site improvements, which received final approval from local regulatory authorities in January, also include construction of ADA-compliant pedestrian walkways and seating, landscaping, and substantial upgrading of the existing storm water treatment associated with the development.

Construction is expected to begin in April 2023 and continue through the calendar year, with soccer and multipurpose field renovations expected to be completed prior to the fall athletic season. The baseball, softball, and rugby facilities will be completed prior to the spring 2024 athletic season.

"Our department is grateful to Bowdoin trustees, President Rose, Senior Vice President for Finance and Administration Matt Orlando, and many others across campus for their support as we work to transform our facilities at Pickard Field for the benefit of our students," said Ashmead White Director of Athletics Tim Ryan. "This project will revolutionize the Bowdoin student experience and position several of our programs for success well into the future. We can't wait to get started."