SCOTIA-GLENVILLE SCHOOL DISTRICT BUDGET SEASON ON TRACK
Posted on: 03/26/08

Jennifer Farnsworth, Contributing Writer
email: news@spotlightnews.com

As budget season continues, the Scotia-Glenville School District is considering whether or not to add artificial turf to its list of improvements proposed for the district’s athletic facilities.

School board members listened Monday, March 24, to a presentation by Dodge Chamberlain and Appel Osbourne Landscape and Architecture about artificial turf.

“You are looking at a difference of about double the cost of grass initially, but after about 20 years, the cost ratio for maintenance is almost three times more with grass as opposed to turf,” said Chamberlain.

Appel Osbourne Architecture said right now they have about 40 producers of artificial turf products, with a list of preferred vendors that they suggest to school districts. Most recently, the firm was involved in the installation of artificial turf in the Glens Falls School District. The completion of the Glen Falls project is expected to come in right around the estimated cost, according to Chamberlain.

If the field upgrade is approved, it will join a new track and new bleachers on the list of proposed improvements to be incorporated into a building proposal that will go before the public in the fall or may be included in the budget, which would affect the tax rate increase.

“Right now we want to hear what the architecture firm has to say and really look at the big picture in terms of priorities and needs for our athletic fields.
Either way we need to improve on what we currently have,” said Superintendent Susan Swartz.

Athletic Director John Geniti said that he hears many concerns from parents whose children play sports. He said parents of soccer players, lacrosse players and field hockey players would like to have the opportunity to see their children play under the light on the main field. Genii said that turf would allow for greater use of the fields because there is not the worry of overuse.

“The greatest plus of artificial turf is that you don’t have to let it rest, and you get optimal play out of it,” said Geniti.

Other benefits, described by Chamberlain, included longer playing abilities, “renting” the turf out for concerts and playoff games, and the environmental benefits of not having to use chemicals, such as pesticides.

“You have to look at the cost per use comparison and see that yes, initially, you will be spending more, but in the long run, it is cost-effective. We only use vendors that include maintenance and eight-year warranties so even when the job is done, they are still working for you,” said Chamberlain.

Board President Margaret Smith said that while the board is reviewing the information they have received on turf, they plan to research their options.

“We want to have all our facts and figures and are committed to doing what we feel the community is comfortable in supporting,” said Smith.

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