By Elaine Loft
Although all the students and most of the faculty and staff were off campus during the summer months, the Derryfield Buildings & Grounds crew was hard at work on projects large and small.
One of the largest endeavors was the design and installation of an irrigation system outside The Commons, the new dining hall in the center of campus. Working on some of the hottest days of August, and under a short deadline, the new irrigation system was tied into the existing system, just in time for turf to be laid prior to the opening day of school. Other outdoor projects included repairing three large sections of the upper grass playing fields, installing a post and rail fence along the perimeter of The Commons lawn, and replacing numerous light bollards in both the Sculpture Garden and adjacent to the staircase leading to the Nancy Boetigger Theatre.
Interior projects were equally numerous, and as always necessitated schedule juggling, as the campus hosts two, large summer programs (Breakthrough Manchester and Derryfield Repertory Theatre). Three classrooms on the third floor of the upper school were completely overhauled and two larger rooms were subdivided to create several new offices. The carpet in the library was replaced, which required the removal of all the old furniture, and the assembly of new furniture. All three of the playing courts in A&W were stripped and refinished, which required the removal of many pieces of equipment. Finally, new card-reading devices were installed in many locations throughout the school.
