For the first time ever, the sound of basketballs bouncing on wood will be emanating from the T. O’Connor Gymnasium in the Jack Barry Field House at Lynn Tech this winter.

Lynn Public Schools and the City completed a $1.3 million renovation of the field house that included the replacement of the rubber floor that covered the entire surface since the building opened in 1972. A hardwood basketball floor was installed, with rubber floor all around it.

The project, which ran from June until mid-October, was paid for with funding LPS received from the Mass. Department of Education after the pandemic.

In addition to the basketball court, the field house features a new running track. Joe Abelon, a driving force in track and field in the City for decades, played an important role in ensuring the lines were painted correctly. The field house enhancements also include painting, new lighting and repaired bleachers.

The field house renovation project was conducted in partnership by LPS and the City, with Inspectional Services Director Michael Donovan taking the lead on the City side.