Are you serious? With all the economic woes that come from that school? Money can be put to much better use than that! It's high school for goodness sakes.

I don't think the question is worded very well. YESthe student athletes and the athletic would benefit from the track and field improvements. But NO it is not absolutely necessary.

I agree with Tinker & Terri C. What part of ,people are struggling do you not get? I think I would benefit from a new Mercedes ,or my children over 21 could use health ins from their employers, but it's not likely to happen,and I hope this doesn't either! Do people just sit around thinking of ways to spend $$$$ they don't have???

Let Salve pay for it, the way they did at Gaudet

Is a turf field in Portsmouth absolutely necessary? no, BUT yes it would benefit the student athlete and their would be opportunities for Town of Portsmouth to make money from the use of the field from camps, etc from outside organizations, plus of course maintainence goes way down.

I would like to add- Portsmouth needs full day kindergarten before a turf field happens...

they need to improve there schools first look at the high school its old and falling apart. they just put up a brand new gym and blew all our money they dont need a field. 12$ for grass seed poor it down and make it look nicer they use there own money not ours!!

As a recent PHS graduate I think it would be great for the school. As a cheerleader, we were always getting hurt on the constantly muddy field, especially when we would have to tumble across it in all the ditches! Also, since it's being raised by donations I think it's fine. The new field wouldn't cost the taxpayers anything, so if you don't like the idea of a nicer field for the athletes, don't donate.

FROM THE ARTICLE: “We’re going to have to do the majority of our fundraising ourselves,” athletic director Steve Trezvant said.

There it is folks. The athletics director states right up front that the money will have to come from private donations, NOT public school taxpayer dollars.

No one here should complain that full day kindergarten or high school building repairs or whatever should come first, because those things are paid for with taxpayer dollars and the new field effort will be done with private money.

I support private efforts to get whatever is good for the kids, from band uniforms to football fields to trips to Guatemala. If people want to donate their own money to build a new field because that is what they believe in, why would anyone object?

Why not get them to donate to academics instead of extra curricular activities. The jobs of the schools is to educate the children not provide them with something to do after school. The after school sport program benefits a small number of students and should not use any tax dollars unless the let every student play regardless of their athletic ability. No cuts everyone plays. It has gotten to the point where sports take preference over academics it doesn't matter if kids do not learn as long as you have a wining football team. All extra curricular activities should be privately paid for.

Robert, well said. And to "Portsmouth Citizen",. I see the statement that the majority of it will be donated. And wher4e does the rest of it come from? Somehow, the school reaches into our picketbooks after it has extended itself for things they couldn't afford in the first place and didn't need!

Grass is more desirable than turf, if it is a healthy and full tract. If the condition of the field is not good, perhaps a resodding can be considered. But natural grass is more aesthetically pleasing and also better for athletes as the body is dealt more shock from fake turf versus a nice natural grass field. Obviously, the track portion has its own unique surface. Not sure of its condition.

Are you kidding. We are talking about taking benefits away form loyal employees and we are being asked to spend money on atificial turf!!!! Yes would that be nice and in other years would it have been feasible, of course, this is Portsmouth, an affluent Town. However, in this economy I am appauld that it is even being suggested for consideration. We would love to have the atheltic department to stay. Am I in another time zone? I thought questions have arrison wether athletics can be afforded. Thanks,

Is Duncan still involved with sports? Sounds like something he would push. I remember when the gym or the Duncan dome was built, the towns people were told that they would be able to use the track inside. yeah right!!!

I don't think Duncan is still involved. At least not up front. Who knows if behind the scenes!!!!!!

I was under the impression that artificial was cheaper in the long run. After a few Google searches I’m discovering that isn’t the case. And it appears that players prefer a well-kept natural surface. “Well-kept” the key part of that equation. That means much more than once-a-year reseeding and weekly mowing. Still, it looks as if a “well-kept” natural surface is cheaper than a well-kept artificial surface. A key point I found on one link was:
“…artificial turf needs pesticides and disinfectants to prevent/eliminate mold, bacteria and other hazards that are biodegraded by the natural environment of grass fields. The maintenance and equipment for artificial turf fields is often underestimated.”
The condition of the track is a different story. I’ve run on lots of tracks, and often run on the PHS track. It leaves a lot to be desired. To begin with it’s an odd distance of 416 meters; has lots of uneven patches. At any speed that’s not safe. It can trip up a runner and cause injury. The distance could easily be changed to the 400 meter standard by pulling in the turn at the west end. It would require only a small amount of pavement. Then perhaps a complete new topcoat so that it has a smooth, even surface throughout.
Links comparing the two.
http://turf.uark.edu/turfhelp/archives/021109.html
http://www.artificialturfsupply.com/costsavings_athletics.html
http://www.turfgrasssod.org/pages/resources/natural-grass-vs-artificial-turf-information

Dan

I thought the school was in need of money. How is artificial turf going to behefit our kids educatim? $1.5 milion dollars? Are you guys nuts? Middletown has their new field because Salve Regina paid for it and both the Middletown schools and Salve benefit. How is this supposed to help our kids education? It seems there is a lot of higher priority items that could benfit the both the school, like books, teachers, music, art, etc, you know, some of those "educational" things that seem to take a back seat to football.

Please we need the schools to be able to run. We don't need to worry about running on a track whether it is good or bad!!!! Please lets just get the schools academically running in good condition before we start talking about adding expenses we simply can not afford. Of course, can not affort according to the politicians. There may be money somewhere we as citizens do not know about. Most likely that is the case and the politicians want to spend were they think they can get the most votes. Whatever!!!!

As long as it's by private donation and fundraising efforts i vote yes. However, we all know these efforts sometimes fall short and in the end the heartstrings of the the tax payers are pulled at and we are asked to dig deeper into our pockets. I moved to portsmouth so my child could be in one of the best school systems in the state, not who has the best sports program. I believe sports play a big role in childrens lives for a number of reasons but their education is more important and that will open the doors to the future for them. Let's make sure the money isn't coming from more taxes because we're already being taxed through the nose.

If the artificial turf/track refurbishment is provided through private and corporate donations, it should go forward.

There are numerous studies that purport to show that natural turf is less expensive than artificial turf. Drill down into many of the assumptions in those studies and you will find two common themes. The first theme is that artificial turf advocates understate the maintenance costs. This is often the case. The second major assumption is that the proverbial 'bag of grass seed and mow once a week' represents the total investment in natural turf. This is comparing apples and oranges. The maintenance requirements to bring a natural turf field up to the level where athletes 'prefer it to artificial turf' is enormous. for a variety of reasons. The nature of the land on which the field is sited will also raise the cost.

Would it be cheaper to keep the current field at the current state? Probably. Is that condition satisfactory for the various sports played on the field including boys and girls lacrosse this spring? No. Would it be nice if private donors contributed classrooms and and computer equipment? Yes. But if private donors are willing to help with athletic turf and the maintenance cost balances, the student athletes should benefit from the generosity. Rejecting this proposal, which does not cost the district any more than the current arrangement, would be absurd.

But who pays for maintenance? What is the life expectancy and who pays for replacement? The field has had grass all these years why is it only a problem now? Sometime a gift seems like a good idea at the time but when you look at all the facts it may not be what it seems the long term costs need to be factored in.

Eventually it cost more than grass seed and mowing!!!!!

Yes...the athletes and marching band would all benefit. How safe is it when the field is a mud bowl during a game and there are ruts and pot holes. As a parent and coach why wouldn't we want the best for our students... All of them...every student at one time or another is on the field...graduation is held there in the good weather and sometimes not so good weather. If we have a company that wants to help us help ourselves and our students why wouldn't we rise to the challenge to raise the necessary funds to accomplish this and continue to make Portsmouth the top notch school/community we want for now and the future of Portsmouth and its residents.
K. Borrosh

As a former student athlete, I played on that field for my four years of high school in multiple sporting events and found that a turf field would have been beneficial. On the days it rains and the field becomes a mud pit, it becomes difficult to play and dangerous. Additionally, the marching band in their uniforms and shoes do not want to get all muddy and when the cheerleaders are doing their tumbling, a wet, muddy field makes it dangerous for them. A turf field would be beneficial not only to the athletes but also the students. In addition, in the long run it eventually saves the town money because the town is no longer paying for maintainence such as mowing, lining, watering the field. If we look at other schools that have turf fields, we can see that they have had multiple successes on that field because there is something about playing on turf that makes it so different from grass. Myself, now playing D1 Lacrosse, practices on a turf field everyday and it makes all the difference on those wet, rainy days. The town needs to look at the future for Portsmouth High School and see that PHS is a top competitor and that its athletes have been putting their heart out on the field for many years, why not reward them for their dedication and hard work?
PHS2011

As a current student at the school, I can tell you from experience that the field is where almost all our gym classes are held so by saying that not everyone would benefit from turf is false, as students, we all know what it's like going down to the field for class after a rainy day and having to play in the muddy field which then tears it apart for the sports teams. Also, as a goalie in lacrosse, I know that for me personally, I strongly dislike having to play on grass because it gets torn up under me from constant movement; add water, rocks, and mud to that equation and the outcome is neither pleasant nor pretty. I think having turf WOULD benefit all the students in one way or another whether through sports, P.E. marching band, or graduation.

Chavous, Greenman, Szczepaniak, and Sewall would FLY on that field. Do it and punch a ticket to State!

As a current senior and boys lacrosse player this is a very good idea. Of course, it happens when we leave, but since our school is going down the toilet anyways, the students should at least have one benefit. For the people who said "what about a kindergarden" clearly you have not been enrolled in PHS in recent years. The place is run like a kindergarden so that settles that. Also, it is said it would be paid for by fundraiser, so the people who complained about tax dollars, read. We are one of the only schools to NOT have a turf field...we should probably come up to date. I have twisted ankles playing on the field. It is extremely dangerous. Students/athletes are constantly getting injured. The students are always getting ripped off by this town and finally we should get something in return. As said, our school is going down the toilet so we should do something about it because "fixing up the school" and other changes clearly aren't working. This would be a very smart move. And like Jordan said, EVERY STUDENT USES THE FIELD. Every student is in a gym class which uses the field.

The world is going to end in December anyway so why not? But in all seriousness, raised through donations, makes for a safer playing surface and more practice area for the teams. It could even add to attendance at sporting events or playoff Pop Warner events. I don't see a problem with it, where can I donate and give back to my team/town?

I played on this team for a season, would not like to play on plastic. The grass, dirt, and mud is part of the experience. I still treasure the memory of that and when I attend the Thanksgiving game at Portsmouth I am taken back to that time, Middletown games are missing that. I feel it is an important part of the learning experience for the youth, perfecting movement on a natural enviroment at a time when their bodies and minds are still developing. Not to mention the plastic surface could to case runoff, aren't we trying to avoid that in our town by limiting paved surfaces? Besides a narual surface will also give us an edge in home games when we play against plastic teams. Lets keep it green and muddy.

One of the Most Glaring Examples of our Public School System completely out of touch with reality. It is abundantly evident that our Country is facing the worst economic conditions since the Great Depression. Our Federal Government has accumulated a staggering federal deficit which is steadily growing at an alarming rate. The State of Rhode Island continues to struggle with serious fiscal problems with no resolution in site. Providence our capital city is on the verge of bankruptcy and Central Falls has declared bankruptcy. Literally every city and town in Rhode Island is dealing with budgetary problems and Portsmouth officials are seriously concerned about how we will manage our ever increasing budget demands with dwindling state aid. Businesses are closing, people are losing their jobs and even their homes, with many struggling financially. With all of this the Athletic Director at Portsmouth High School thought it would be a good time to seek $1.6 million dollars for non-essential Artificial Turf at the High School ! Absolutely Outrageous !!! The School Department needs to demonstrate fiscal responsibility and would be well served to seek an Athletic Director that understands basic economics and community responsibility. The important lessons that our students will learn about economics, responsibility and priorities will be determined by actions of the School Department.

The current field is a hazard to the athletes. Read my post and the article...the majority will be raised by fundraisers. And its not like if we don't get the field, the 1.6 million will go to anything else.

If this feild is such a hazzard then we need to end all extra curricular sports programs immediately. We can not afford to put our youth in such danger. The school need to get back to it's core mission, education it's nice for the kid to be able to play games after school but that is not the job of the schools. The job of the schools are to teach reading, math, science and history. @ Jordan Borrosh if all the gym classes are being taught on this feild then why did we spend all that money on the new mega gym?

Robert e, clearly you aren't a student or never went to high school. Without sports and games to watch, this school would suck more than it does. Without it there would be no spirit and no motivation so we can't do that. Nice idea though(sarcasm). Also, the gym is for basketball, weights, and gym class during the winter. And since we need gym(state mandated) we need the gym and field.

Lets face facts, an artificial turf field is a "want" not a "need". FYI, the majority of the high school fields in RI are natural turf, not artificial (although more and more schools are moving towards artificial turf). However, if private money will be used to fund the 1.6 million cost, I say why not, as long as the long term costs of maintenance are factored into the decision (artificial turf fields need to be refurbished every 8 to 10 years, so what will that cost?). In reality, having an artificial field has so many advantages (less injuries, fields can be used in colder weather because they do not freeze solid, etc.). But can the town afford it now, no. And for the people that say " fund raising could be used for more important things", I say this, go ahead and raise money for those things, but if individuals want to raise money for a new artificial field, let them (its important to them). At the end of the day, for now, our sports teams have a field (not perfect) which is functional.

I am a senior in high school I do not have the financial responsibility of an adult you are correct. The article said private fundraising so if you don't want to fund it, then don't. Take your money and do whatever you please with it

To those of you saying that saying that artificial turf is so much better, please answer this.

Why did the University of Florida switch the playing surface of Florida Field in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium from artificial turf to natural grass in 1990?

Why did the University of Alabama switch the surface of Bryant-Denny Stadium from artificial turf to natural grass in 1992?

Why does Auburn University maintain a natural grass surface in Jordan-Hare Stadium?

Why does Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, PA maintain a natural grass field?

All of these organizations can surely afford to have whatever kind of playing surface they desire. But for some reason they all choose to maintain natural grass. Why?

If it is a wet, muddy rainy day, cancelthe activity.

TAMORI, let me start by stating that I do not believe Portsmouth can afford to spend 1.6 million on a new artificial turf field, the current field will have to do for now. Getting to your point however, I would have to bet that 99 out of 100 coaches and players would prefer a modern (built within the last 5 to 10 years) artificial turf field over natural turf (unless the natural turf is meticulously maintained, which is extremely expensive). The artificial turf (Astroturf) fields of the 1970's, 80's and into the 90's were terrible. They were hard, slick and did not drain well, or at all. Injuries on these fields actually increased. The modern artificial turf fields are soft and forgiving and drain exceptionally well. There are also much fewer injuries.

This matter isn't meant to start wars on the patch. Everyone needs to be acting their age right now. Adults, you are picking on a high schooler who is brave enough to post his opinion. All parties need to show equal respect whether you are for or against the decision of a turf field.

For once, can the students have a say though? We always get ripped off. I don't see why half the people even care about this subject. Its not coming out of your taxes so why do you care? Don't want to be in the fundraiser, then don't. If you want to help out every student in the high school, athletes and non-athletes, then please do so. And Robert, while I respect what you are saying, and no offence, you did not give me a lesson on economics. I see where everyone is coming from, thinking that this wouldn't benefit anyone, even though it would. But the reality is, this 1.6 million dollars that will be raised is going to go to the field. If it wasn't raised for the field, it wouldn't be raised at all. I don't think anyone is going to raise 1.6 million dollars in a fundraiser for the school in general. Its too broad of a topic. What it comes down to is you either want to help the field project or you don't. If not, then carry on with your life and this has no effect on you. And when you bring up maintance, every field requirs it. And its not even possible, nor legal, to get rid of the field so something must be done.

We will raise the money and they will come. Do not listen to naysaying naybobs.

Tamori, Heinz field is atrocious. Have you ever seen a Steelers game the entire field is mud. U of F and Auburn are located in the deep south, where there is more sun and grass grows year round. They have a grounds crew that maintains the field daily. Their stadiums are football only. This is New England, where grass grows 7 months of the year, where it rains and snows and where we don't have a grounds crew. This past year as I was looking at colleges, I was recruited by 5 schools who belong to the NEFC (New England Football Conference, a 16 team Division 3 footbal conference). All 5 of those schools, Salve, Umass Dartmouth, Western New England, Maine Maritime, and Bridgewater St. all have turf fields, why? Well, as Coach Emery from Western New England said "This is New England people, it's impossible to maintain a grass field." Now, I realize that Portsmouth is not a D3 college football team, however, my point is made. This money will be raised through fundraising, not only that but it opens up other oppoutunities as a venue where summer camps can happen, tournaments can happen, Pop Warner playoffs can happen, ect. This means that financially it would be beneficial after the initial fundraising. Also, the maintence of the field would not be as required (every 8 to 10 years) as opposed to once a week for 7-8 months out of the year. Robert E, if you so wish I can send you my Senior Project Research Paper from last year, which in 12 pages with a clear thesis and support details

On what the benefits of youth sports are. If the mission of PHS is to build our youth, then sports and extra-curricular activities are ESSENTIAL. Also, Gene Love, you do not know what Mr. Trezvant's job is on a daily basis. You may ridicule him or his job/beliefs all you want but I can tell you this: He has a degree from Wake Forest (Where the admissions rate is 40% and 95% of the students we're in the top tenth of their class), was a former Portsmouth athlete himself, and genuinely cares for the students lives, studies, and safety. Please let him do his job, which he is great at and is well-deserving of. Thank you.

Brad kelly for president

Keep speaking your mind Nate, I got your back.

And all the major colleges that have the grass fields can pay for constant maintance to make them perfect. We can't even compare field to them and to bring those schools into this is completly absurd and has nothing to do with us or the topic. If anyone has done any research on the subject is brad. he appears to be the most educated on the topic, because if I am correct, he did his senior project about it

Are you guys serious.... you honestly think we can afford a turf field right now.....

Portsmouth...did you read the full article and comments? Who is we? You don't have to be part of it

Well my project was focused on youth sports which Robert E ridiculously said should be stopped which under no circumstances is true. However, I played at New bedford Voc-tech probably 5 or 6 times in pop warner in playoffs/championships/regionals. Ive played at Hendricken on their turf twice, at cranston stadium a bunch of times. Our grass doesnt compare to that turf in my opinion, speaking from experience.

Lee and Portsmouth, for replying on my post earlier. First off, none of my teachers talk about the Occupy movement or any of that. I am not in any business relates courses in our high school. Second, yes I am a Portsmouth High School student. A twisted ankle might not be major, but someone could get a sprained ankle or worst. When playing on a field with holes and ruts, it creates an extremely dangerous situation. For people running, and shooting the ball etc. You sound like a typical Portsmouth parent. We don't want to benefit the younger kids and their interests, but I want my money in my pocket for my uses blah blah blah. And how our school is run, money has nothing to do with that. It's the administration's fault. But that is something different and unrelated. As with Brad, I have played on other fields and there is no comparison. Moses Brown's field is amazing, and we love playing on it. And do I expect the town to raise the money? As of right now, no. Not in one day. It's going to take a few years, but it will get done. The band is hosting fundraisers for their new uniforms, why aren't the adults of Portsmouth complaining about them hosting fundraisers? Because that is basically what you are doing here. Also, Robert E, it is not free to cut the grass for the field. The grass takes time to cut, and time is money.

I just want to provide a bit of insight for those who seem to be a bit detached from the school and athletics there.

To start off with, the condition of the track is terrible. As a four year member of the track team, I get to run on that thing every day. If you were going just by feel, you would think it was a road. It is so old and worn down that its only advantage is that it marks off distances. I have cracked several pairs of shoes from running on it and your shins and heels suffer if you try to race on it. When I have a choice, I go down to Middletown's track to do workouts because ours does almost as much damage as good. Last year we had our divisional meet taken away from us and moved to Barrington because of the condition of the track. It is more or less cement.

Secondly, the field, while not as bad as the track, is also in terrible shape. There are divets and holes all over the place and the entire middle of the field is dirt. That field isn't just used for games, contrary to what a few very knowledgeable people on here seem to think. Its also used for some practices as well as things like gym class (which isn't an extra-curricular activity). I wouldn't necessarily say that a turf field is needed but that is definitely an option to consider because if it doesn't get redone, it will become unusable.

For those of you who are all about acedemics before extra-curriculars, this is the paragraph you care about. Regardless of what some of you seem to think, Portsmouth is probably the third best public school system in the state behind Barrington and East Greenwich. You can look at about 5 different standardized test results to back that up. The school is continuously moving with beter educating students by adding things like AP courses and frequent professional development days/seminars for teachers. At what point does a school become good enough academically that you can start supplimenting that with things like extra-curriculars? I'm pretty sure we're well past that point.

Lastly, it should be noted that athetics have serious benefits for kids. They teach kids maturity and responsibility. They keep kids healthy. They keep kids busy after school so that we don't go around doing all those "awesome" things that teenagers seem to do. They help grow kids social lives and they are just fun to participate in. But for those of you who don't think athletics are important, I can understand that you want the school to produce smart, immature, social misfits.

And lastly, taxes. First off, if this actually does get done, most of the money that funds its instalment isn't coming from taxes. However, many of you seem to have a worry that paying for its maintenance will come out of your taxes. Lets take a look at how much maintenance would be. To maintain a premium, top of the line synthetic field costs slightly over 100k per year. Just google synthetic field maintainence if you want support for that. Now, given that its highly unlikely we will install a field this nice, I'll round the figure down to 100k even. At first this seems like a lot of money. A starting teacher's salary at PHS, with all of the benifits included, is conservatively, a bit under 50k a year. The cost of maintaining a top of the line field would roughly equate to hiring two bottom step teachers. The teachers would actually overtake the cost of the field if they stuck around long enough.

No one wants to pay more for taxes but it would be an extremely small increase if there was one at all. I think people need to look at the whole situation before deaming a project pointless because it has a small chance of raising their taxes a small amount.

Also, I can't really think of a sport that cuts kids. I could be wrong but for what I know, everyone plays. They might not make varsity but there are more than enough junior varsity/freshman teams and intramural for everyone to participate in. If you really want to play that badly, you can.

Robert E, I know things get different. That's kind of obvious is it not? That has nothing to do with this at all. Nick makes a bunch of excellent points. You can't really rebut what he has to say.

I can't afford a small amount and neither can a majority of Portsmouth residents. Please stop!!! You always say most of the money. But most is not ALL!!!! Please remember that when commenting. If it was being given for free, I would be all for it. But I have lived long enough to know that free always means at some cost. In the current state of affairs, we can not afford any cost. Even though the School Committee thinks otherwise. I would like to know were they think the money is coming from.

And yes everything Nick said is exactly right! I am saying that YES, this field WOULD BE BENEFICIAL, but it is not a priority right now! Nate do you actually believe that this is going to happen to our school though, really.

Yes it should be, that would be great. But in reality it's not. Yes exactly, it would also be the taxpayers. And I know that they don't go to the school so they may not quite fully understand how much it would benefit the students, but still, I feel for them when they say that they don't want their tato be raised. And what about the new gym, and the additions to the work out area? What do you mean when you say the school doesn't do much with the money? I'm not exactly trying to shoot you down, I just don't quite know what you mean.

I disagree with all students partaking in sports and not allowing cuts. We have developed into a feel good society that apparently there are no losers. This is not true, there are losers in life and sports develop competiveness, teamwork and sportsmanship. Parents need to realize this because this feel good society promotes our failings as a country remaining competitive in the global arena whether it's academics or business. Athletes are required to maintain certain grades to remain eligible to play, no athletes are not. Children failing academics is not due to being distracted by sports but by poor parenting. My parents required my sisters and I to maintain B's or better grades to praticipate in sports.
As a graduate of PHS I think this is a fantastic idea. Not only does it benefit the students currently enrolled into PHS but also promotes families moving into the community bringing more tax dollars to the pool. I can speak as a military brat that attended 3 high schools academics and athletics were extremely important to me. After my parents narrowed down the school districts based upon academics I was then allowed to choose the school districts, no surprise I chose based on what school district fielded the most competitive sports teams. I was a multi-season athlete and graduate from both high school and college with honors and as a varsity athlete.

Portsmouth, I can't find it right now, but I believe you asked if lacrosse cut people? Are you talking to Jordan or I, we both lax. For boys, no one gets cut. We even have first time players on JV

Why don't the players maintain the current field? It has been said that one of the advantages of the turf field is they can have a better playing area for after school and when they want something to do. If they take on the responsibility to keep their playing field maintained it would be a great lesson in accepting responsibility to get what you want instead of having it given to you. Sad to hear all the tings things the school needs. The students time would be better spent if they started asking where the taxes are going to. I applaud the student's participation in the question of turf field or not. They should put that intelligence and energy in finding out how the money going to the school is being spent. This is your chance to make the adults handling money responsible for their actions. We who pay taxes haven't been able to do that. Perhaps you can.

Tinker, the athletes aren't the only ones who use the field on a daily basis

Also, Nate, what do you think about putting your energy and knowledge to use by asking the school officials where the money is going?

Friends, those of you strongly in favor of an artifical surface, please look and some of the info on the links provided in above posts. Or at least research for yourself. Two major things you’re failing to consider. 1 – An artificial turf field still requires lots of maintenance in the form of regular upkeep and sanitation. Artificial turf fields have to be watered. The material and labor for all of that regular upkeep costs money. Will that money be included in the private donations or come from town coffers? My guess is that a after installation that the school/town would be stuck with those expenses. The studies show that a well-maintained natural surface is less costly than an artificial surface.
2 – Surveys of professional and college football players overwhelmingly show that they prefer natural surfaces over artificial.

As a recent PHS graduate and athlete, I would love to see an artificial turf field and new track. Especially if they are completely privately funded. However, at the same time I do not feel that a turf field is necessary. I grew up playing football on the current field and although the field does have it flaws, I never felt endangered as an athlete. I actually preferred playing on grass. If the athletic department truly wishes to benefit its student-athletes than it should look at facilities other than the football stadium. Currently, our tennis courts are among the worst in the state. They are considerably damaged with gaping cracks, that are not only an eye-sore but are also hazardous to players. If there is an athletic facility that truly needs to be re-done it is the tennis courts, which is the most publicly-used athletic facility at the high school.

Garret, you aren't on the right track. I admire Nate and think his knowledge would have more long lasting results if it was put toward making the powers that be in the school answer to where the money goes. It is a great lesson for any student to ask the questions of the people with the money, not the people without it.

And something for you to ponder, Garret. Because someone disagrees with another person doesn't mean they are "fighting"

Robert, I still don't think you get the fact that tax payers arent doing this. When Little Compton wanted their new basketball courts, they fundraised for years and years until they got the money. taxes were not increased.

Nate you don't get it tax dollars won't build it but tax dollars will have to maintain it. I said I would have no problem with it if a trust fund could be set up to take care of maintenance. As things stand now the taxpayers can't afford to pay the $100,000 a year to maintain it.

We wouldn't have to worry about now by the time the money is raised it would take years

Sounds to me like a lot of people that don't know what they're talking about. It's private donations from the parents of the athletes or people that support them, and has nothing to do with anyone else. Let it go through, no need to be stubborn just because your kid isn't athletic enough to make a team

another thing is, the field is going to be redone in the next tear or 2 anyways. and the cycle continues. I was told the amount of cash it costs to replace the field, but i forgot it. we should get something with better maintenance. and Robert, again, even if you have an "un-athletic" kid, they use the field every year for their four years of high school in gym, and if the weather is nice, they will graduate on it. I would rather graduate and have PHS represented to everyone with a nice, clean turf field than the muddy, crappy one we have now

I would rather have the kids graduate with good grades and a pride in their high school, who cares about a field. Mud is good..... we used to play because it was mud, fun, fun, fun....