Hollywood Cancels Plans To Demolish Marblehead High School Field
MARBLEHEAD (CBS) - A plot twist out of Hollywood is making residents in Marblehead happy. Parents and coaches were concerned about a proposal to put an in-ground swimming pool and tennis court on the high school football field as part of a set for Adam Sandler's new movie, "Grown Ups 2".
At a Thursday night school board meeting, Columbia Pictures producer Barry Bernardi told a crowd, "I think maybe the wisest thing is to respectfully withdraw." Parents and high school students in the audience erupted in applause.
"Ultimately it's the kids who win, and the community's better for it," says Bruce Bial, who heads the town's youth football program. He and others in town were concerned the field would not have been available for spring lacrosse games and football next fall.
It's named Christopher Piper Memorial Field, after a Green Beret and Marblehead native who was killed in Afghanistan seven years ago. His son, who's named after him, is a high school senior. "A lot of great memories here. I really don't want them to tear it up for a movie scene," he says.
Bernardi says producers don't want to be anywhere they're not wanted. They still plan to do filming at other locations in Marblehead for about three months. They're now looking for a new spot, possibly a nearby home for their pool scene. "It's a backyard set. We're going to find a place to build a backyard set," says Bernardi.
