In October of 2024, Hingham High students witnessed the embarkation of the school’s largest athletic initiative since the addition of the turf field. Outside of classroom windows and Close Lot spaces, orange excavators dramatically demolished the familiar “red shed,” marking the start of an ongoing project first proposed in February.
The Hingham Sports Partnership (HSP) generously provides resources to the town’s sports programs, so when confronted with the inadequacies of the current HHS weight room, action was taken in the most costly and ambitious yet of their efforts. By June of 2025, funded entirely through philanthropy, a modern wellness facility named “The Dock,” will open to service the community. The name was inspired by the vision of the outcome: a collaborative space for Harbor men and women to work.
The current and old weight room suffers from a multitude of issues requiring its replacement. Foremost on this list is the underwhelming usage of the room. Positioned directly beneath and closely linked to the boys’ locker room, the area is unwelcoming to programs outside the adjacent boys’ varsity sports. This discouragement is only exacerbated by the gym’s dilapidated state. Its small, cramped footprint forces programs to separate into positional groups; hindering team chemistry. Furthermore, for those who are accommodated, the room functions poorly. Weights are placed between pillars and circuit boxes, while movements are restricted beneath low pipe-covered ceilings. Dual sport athlete Jack Griffiths is accustomed to the issues plaguing usage of the current weight room. When asked his opinion on The Dock, he stated, “I’ll be glad to get a better gym. Lifts in the old one are slow because it is too small.”
The promised attributes of the completed Dock draw a stark contrast between these bowels of the school. The independent 2500-square-foot fitness center boasts a variety of features beneath its lofty 12-foot ceilings. James Cahill, an executive in the construction company contracted with the project, described, “Some features of the new Dock building are the large open area that allows for multiple purposes of the building – from an exercise/lifting space to classroom space to yoga and other activities. The Dock also features 5 operable 14’ x 10’ garage-style glass doors so students and athletes will have a ton of natural light entering the building along with direct access to the backtrack.” In addition, the Dock is constructed with energy-efficient climate control and accessible entrances.
It is important to mention these impressive accomplishments were only possible thanks to the charity of individuals. The largest independent contribution was graciously made by Jim and Anne Davis, owners of New Balance Athletics, who together committed $150,000. In their honor, The Dock’s sign is subscripted “Powered by New Balance” with the company’s logo. HSP, however, has borne the brunt of the donations as an organization in its two years of fundraising. Other notable grants were provided by Senator Patrick O’Connor and the State of Massachusetts, South Shore Bank, Coastal Dealerships, and the Special Needs Athletic Partnership (SNAP).
Keen students may have noticed The Dock projected behind the original schedule, which is due to problems delaying progress. Initial funding took longer than anticipated, postponing the start of construction. During a week of particularly violent winds, the partially supported frame was shifted two feet out of place, hence the dozen heavy-duty straps employed to hoist the woodwork back into position. Cahill assured, “Like almost any project we have had our share of adversity but that’s normal in our line of business.”
Hingham High School boasts an impressive 80% participation rate of students in athletics, all of whom will be hugely benefited by the Dock. The advantages of exercise are innumerable and well-understood; which will now be readily accessible for all athletes and members of the community; helping whether on or off the field.
One such athlete anticipating the unveiling of the weight room is sophomore Varsity football player Cole Snowden, who claimed “The Dock will be a great resource and improvement for all high schoolers. Sports especially are going to be strengthened in the offseasons.”
Cahill gratuitously concluded “The feedback to date for people who have seen it has been amazing. We are in the midst of raising the last $100k or so dollars. Anyone reading this should feel free to donate any amount they can!”
Hingham as a community has again exemplified its investment in its youth by the widespread backing of the project. With the advent of The Dock, HHS can look forward to a stronger, healthier future.
