A clerical error has forced a change in plans for the renovation of Harwich’s athletic fields. Article 41, which originally sought $350,000 for irrigation replacement at three major facilities, will now move forward as a $197,260 request for the first phase of the project.

The funding is intended to replace aging irrigation systems at Veterans Memorial Field, Senior Memorial Softball Field, and Potter's Softball Field. CPC Chair Kathy Green explained that because the lower amount was the one officially posted and approved by the Select Board, the project must be split. The game plan is to move forward with the two more complicated and more issue-prone fields right now and then come back to CPC for the remainder of the funding next year, Green said.

Despite the administrative mistake, the Select Board and Finance Committee have recommended approval of the available $197,260. The new commercial system will use high-density pipes to ensure the town's most heavily used recreational fields remain in "top-notch" condition.