Kylie Stone '05

It's official: all permits needed to construct the boathouse have been cleared by the Department of Environmental Protection, on the condition that an archeological survey of the site is completed before ground is broken. The study will be completed sometime this month, with plans to break ground and begin construction in August.

The largest obstacle by far in the process has been getting permission to make a path to the river, which was solved by the school's promise to redirect a path to avoid disturbing the wildlife and to ensure no damage to the riverbank.

"If all goes well," said Head Crew Coach Booth Kyle, "the boathouse will probably be ready for next season. We are 99% sure that everything will go as planned."

The long-term plan for the boathouse is for a structure with three bays for the storage of boats, a large team room with sixty lockers and space for stretching or erging, a classroom that can be used for watching team videos or for environmental science classes, a bay for working on the boats, and room for expansion. Sometime in the future, tanks that allow for simulation of rowing on the water will be built.

"I can't put into words how much the boathouse will improve our program. Just to have a permanent space will establish tradition and contribute to more success," Coach Kyle said.