WOBURN - Construction crews are expected to finish installing a temporary shot-put pit at the front of the high school property this week.

According to Athletic Director Jim Duran, he has made arrangements with local contractor George Gately, Jr. to place the pit in the flat grassy area located along Montvale Avenue.

Over the past year, the landscaping conditions at the front of the high school have drawn criticism from neighborhood residents, who have complained that the overgrown wildflowers are unsightly.

This week, construction crews could be seen preparing the shot-put pit, which has resulted in the removal of a large swath of the unwelcome overgrowth at the front of the high school.

"It's just for the year," the athletic director explained. "That's the only flat spot that we have. And this is the only chance we would have to hold a meet."

Based upon the architectural renderings for the high school, a permanent pit was to be installed in the WMHS field areas in a spot close to the Salem Street side of the property.

However, that same area is also being eyed for the placement of a mandated restroom facility for Connolly Stadium.

According to Duran, the temporary pit will allow the city's track teams to host home events this year, while also allowing the School Building Committee time to determine whether the designated shot-put area needs to be moved for the restrooms.

Track and Field rules

Duran also recently updated the School Committee on the WMHS track and field use policies.

According to the athletic director, while the track is still available for public use until nightfall, that practice has been tweaked this spring due to track and lacrosse practice.

Specifically, school officials have discouraged public use of the track during lacrosse practice as a precaution.

"Now, with all our spring teams out there, they'll [the track and lacrosse squads] be there until 8:30 at night," Duran explained. "It's pretty backed-up and we really don't want people out there when lacrosse is going on. All it takes is one missed shot for [someone to get hurt]."

According to the athletic director, several local soccer clubs have expressed interest in using the stadium field this spring. So far, those teams have rented the poly-turf playing area for a total of 29 hours.

Per arrangement with the City Council, all revenue from outside user groups is being placed in a special account that will be specifically slated for maintenance and upkeep of the WMHS athletic areas.

There will also be a second artificial surface playing field available for use this year, although the practice field has not yet been turned over to the city. The WMHS softball and baseball diamonds will not be available until next spring.