Leonard Field
Montana legislature had originally appropriated $30,000 in 1911 to build an athletic field on the east side of the school. However, the state lacked funds for improvement, so the State Board of Examiners denied the request for an athletic field.
In September of 1920, the State Board of Education approved $50,000 to build an athletic field. President Clapp and additional school personnel felt the field could be graded, with retaining walls and seats put on two sides of the field for only $35,000. Clapp pointed out this would be the cheapest, most efficient way “to utilize the natural depression in front of the Main Building which was nothing more than an ugly hole.” Of the $35,000 requested, $10,000 was used to buy the land and the additional $25,000 was used to pay for earthmoving and construction. Plans to build the athletic field were then shelved due to lack of funds.
Not until 1931, was the School of Mines able to begin construction on Leonard Field. Work began under the supervision of the Silver Bow County Emergency Relief Committee. Work on the field continued in 1934 as part of the Civil Works Administration program.
Leonard Field contained a football and baseball field, a running track, and two tennis courts. During the winter, the field was flooded to make a skating rink for public skating and the Mines hockey team practice. Leonard field is still in use today for student activities. From ultimate-frisbee to intramural football and softball, Leonard field provides students with a convenient place to play.
