On Tuesday, Oct. 8, Poly announced they would no longer continue with the PolyFields project, due to expense and complex development requirements. With the intention of honoring the historical and ecological importance of the land owned by the Nuccio’s Nurseries family in Altadena, PolyFields was intended to enhance Poly’s athletics program and environmental science and outdoor education offerings for all of its students.

Head of School John Bracker explained, “At the project’s onset, we shared a series of principles that would guide our efforts to determine whether to purchase the nursery or not. Ultimately, the complexity and cost of meeting our needs, addressing critical environmental issues and being a responsible neighbor were too costly.”

PolyFields was met with resistance from local environment leaders and residents in areas neighboring where the sports complex would have been built, and some protested outside of the school on Saturday, Sept. 21.

Kristen Ochoa, organizer of The Chaney Trail Corridor Project, was concerned about the ecological impacts on the land’s endemic plants and animals.

Poly has now redirected its efforts to pursue solutions closer to campus. Some of Poly’s student athletes were disheartened at the news, since many were excited at the prospect of a larger athletics facility and night games.

Freshman Izzie Giovannone, a varsity football player, noted, “Friday games are fun because of Friday Night Lights. I know that’s why a lot of people enjoy going and playing.”

Director of Athletics Scott Bello also commented, “Though we are disappointed that the PolyFields project did not manifest, we are extremely excited about the possibilities ahead to explore other directions in our pursuit of meeting our future athletic program needs. I am confident that with the full support of the school and the Poly community, we will be able to make this a reality.”

Bracker shared, “Securing field space for our athletic programs remains a top priority at Poly.”