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Facilities Operations

Vassar College

The Virginia C. Mars Lacrosse Center

This project involves replacing two existing grass fields with one high-quality grass field and one multipurpose artificial turf field. The turf field will be fully equipped with lights, bleachers, a press box, a sound system, a scoreboard, and a storage shed. While primarily serving varsity lacrosse practices and games, the facility will provide a versatile backup surface for soccer, other varsity teams, club sports, intramurals, and recreational programming—especially when primary fields are sidelined by wet weather or snow. Hours of operation for the turf field will extend from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

To resolve current capacity issues, the existing parking area will also be expanded. Transitioning to a multipurpose turf field is essential to better serve campus programming and meet increasing facility demands.

The anticipated completion of the project is in time for competition in Spring 2027.

Sustainability | Project Team | Additional Reading

Hours of work: 7:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday (Saturdays as needed).

Contact: For concerns and inquiries about this project, please contact facilities@vassar.edu.

Campus Response Center (CRC): Call (845) 437-7333 any time of the day or night for emergency assistance or (845) 437-5221 for non-emergency matters.

Updates

Video

Work in progress: a quick look at the turf installation under way.

Parking

Beginning on May 27, the parking area highlighted in yellow will be demolished to create a new parking lot with 70 additional spaces, as well as to install the underground drainage systems required to support the project. The parking lot will be offline until completion, which is expected on or about August 10, 2026.

Aerial photo of two fields and a parking lot outlined in yellow.
Click photo for larger view.

Overview

Aerial view showing the orientation of new sports fields and a parking lot, outlined and superimposed over the existing layout.
This aerial view shows the orientation of the new fields and parking lot, outlined and superimposed over the existing layout.

Sustainability

Bioretention Ponds

The project utilizes landscaped stormwater management features designed to capture runoff from impervious surfaces. These systems use engineered soil, vegetation, and underlying drainage layers to filter pollutants and promote the infiltration process by which cleaner water is slowly released back into the environment. A variety of native trees will also be planted around the pond area and added to the inventory of the Vassar Arboretum.

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Project Team

Vassar College

  • Marianne H. Begemann, Dean of Strategic Planning & Academic Resources
  • Michelle Walsh, Director of Athletics & Physical Education
  • Maryann Pilon, Director of Project Management & Construction
  • Dean Jaeger, Grounds Supervisor

Design Build Contractor

Clark Companies

clarkcompanies.com

  • Tim Catella, Project Manager
  • Jim Catella, Director of Design & Construction
  • Mabel Gutliph, Stormwater Specialist

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Additional Reading

Aerial view showing the orientation of new sports fields and a parking lot, outlined and superimposed over the existing layout.

Vassar Announces Virginia C. Mars Lacrosse Center, Transforming Facilities for Vassar Lacrosse and Other Athletic Programs

Posted 4/9/2026

Construction of a multi-purpose turf field, along with expanded bleachers, parking, and other amenities, began this month thanks to a $5 million lead gift. Read more.

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