Harris brothers donate irrigation system to LHS

LACONIA — Brothers Norm and Trevor Harris have joined the many Laconia High School alumni who have found a way to contribute to the campaign to raise $1 million in support of a $16.8 million overhaul of the school's campus.

The project includes a renovated high school with new science labs, a renovated and expanded Huot Regional Technical Education Center and the construction of a new outdoor athletic facility sure to be the envy of the region.

Thanks to the generosity of the Harris brothers, members of the family that owns and operates Gilford Well, the athletic complex's two practice fields will have in-ground irrigation systems, and the new synthetic turf playing field will be plumbed for a water fixture, necessary to keep the turf material clean.

Ed Emond, the district's business administrator, estimated the gift to be worth more than $30,000. "This is quite a value to us," he said.

With the installation of the irrigation systems donated, Emond said the district can reallocate funds to other items. "We've got plans to do much more than resources allow," he said.

Norm is a 1982 graduate of Laconia High School and played linebacker and tight end on the football team. Trevor, Class of '86, played linebacker and offensive tackle. Both went on to play in college — Norm at Bentley University and Trevor at Nichols College. Both are raising families in Gilford, where they have learned a new appreciation for the role athletics plays in a teenager's development. "It makes a great foundation for the kids to grow off of," said Norm, pointing out that the synthetic playing surface will be durable enough for all athletes of many sports to enjoy, not just football.

Gilford Well, started by Trevor and Norm's father 50 years ago, once employed more than 40 people. However, the company has shrunk to about 25 as a result of the recent recession and lagging housing construction. Despite trying times for the company, Trevor said affection for their alma mater drove them to give.

"A project like this is something you're happy to see happen. As many memories as there are on this field, it's time to upgrade," said Trevor. "You try to give back to the community as much as you can."

Work on the new athletic facility, which will be called Bank of New Hampshire Stadium, began this week with the felling of several trees growing on the hill behind the current football field. After the team's final home game against Kennett (Conway) tonight, more trees will fall and more than 100,000 yards of fill will be removed from the hill to create a terraced landscape. A parking lot will be created at the level of the current field. On a terrace about 10 feet above the parking lot will be the artificial playing surface, surrounded by bleacher seating and a concessions/restroom building. On the highest terrace will be a practice field. Emond said the field work is expected to be completed by summer of next year.

The district is currently about three-quarters of the way toward its fund raising goal of $1 million. For more information, contact the Laconia School District either by e-mail at lhscaptialcampaign@laconiaschools.org or phone 524-5710.

CAPTION for GILFORD WELL GIFT in AA:

Brothers Trevor (left) and Norm Harris (right) of Gilford Well Company have agreed to make an in-kind donation of in-ground irrigation systems for the planned new athletic facility at Laconia High School. Laconia School District Business Administrator Ed Emond (center) estimated the value of the donation to be at least $30,000. (Laconia Daily Sun photo/Adam Drapcho)