<p>The regional high school district committee voted 5-4 at an overflow meeting Monday to press ahead with a plan to rebuild the school athletic fields, using artificial turf for the main field.</p>
The regional high school district committee voted 5-4 at an overflow meeting Monday to press ahead with a plan to rebuild the school athletic fields, using artificial turf for the main field and natural grass for five other fields.
Some 150 people packed the high school library for the vote on an issue that has stirred strong opinions.
Some 150 people packed the high school library for the vote on an issue that has stirred strong opinions.
The vote caps more than three years of debate and study about how to best overhaul the ailing athletic fields, including the controversial question of whether to use artificial turf. The issue has stirred strong opinions in the school community and beyond, with passionate advocates on both sides.
And while the vote sets a course by adopting the recommendations of an independent consultant and field designer, there is no clearly defined plan for how school administrators plan to pay for the project. Current cost estimates are around $11 million, with more than $4 million needed for the first phase. Annual maintenance costs on the fields are expected to add another $20,000 to the taxpayer-funded high school budget.
Vineyard schools superintendent Matthew D’Andrea has said he plans to fund raise and seek the balance of funding from voters in Island towns — likely not until next year.
“It’s a good question, where is that money going to come from,” the superintendent said in response to a question Monday. “That’s the only way I can see making this happen.”
Some 150 people packed the high school library for the meeting, including many advocates for either grass or artificial turf.
High school athletic director Mark McCarthy: “Having a field that can take the extra use will only help the rest of the fields across the Island by decreasing their demand.”
High school athletic director Mark McCarthy: “Having a field that can take the extra use will only help the rest of the fields across the Island by decreasing their demand.”
Although committee members had already voted to adopt a report and schematics by consultants at Huntress Associates, they had left open the question of whether to use some artificial turf or all grass. In its report, Huntress acknowledged the long-running debate.
“Given the history of discussion related to installing synthetic turf on Martha’s Vineyard we have researched all the most current and most sustainable trends in the synthetic turf industry,” the report said in part.
At the outset Mr. D’Andrea said administrators are backing the Huntress plan.
“We are confident that synthetic fields are safe and we are confident that this decision is in the best interest of our students,” he said.
Among other things the plan calls for building a new track around a new main artificial turf athletic field, which would be realigned parallel to the Edgartown Vineyard Haven Road. Existing grass fields would be renovated and reoriented.
School leaders expect to do the overhaul in phases, beginning with the new track (the old track behind the school is failed and cannot be used for meets). All the grass fields are in poor condition due to years of deferred maintenance.
The Huntress report is based on an analysis of current and potential future field uses, taking into account the possibility of increased use by both youth and adult soccer leagues.
Vineyard Conservation Society executive director Brendan O'Neill: “We live on an Island. Islands have limits . . . My message is this: don’t give up on natural grass surfaces.”
Vineyard Conservation Society executive director Brendan O'Neill: “We live on an Island. Islands have limits . . . My message is this: don’t give up on natural grass surfaces.”
Preliminary cost estimates developed by Huntress put the total price tag for the project at $11.3 million. Mr. D’Andrea said the cost for the first phase of the project, including the new track, turf field and one grass field rehabilitation, is estimated at $4.3 million. (An earlier estimate of $6.7 million for phase one included a stadium field house and other improvements that the superintendent said this week could wait.)
The school committee has already earmarked $64,000 to pay Huntress and owner’s project manager Daedelus Projects, along with $350,000 from excess revenues to pay for further construction designs.
The project also is expected to see possible review by the Martha’s Vineyard Commission.
Before the vote Monday, school committee members were divided. Janet Packer said the committee had done its due diligence and listened to all sides.
“We I believe have made conscious choices to move forward, to move this process along,” she said. “This is year four . . . I have listened. I have read emails. I have come to the conclusion that a turf infield, one infield, is not harmful to five.”
Jeffrey (Skipper) Manter 3rd questioned the timing of the athletic fields overhaul, considering that a major high school facility renovation is on the horizon and expected to cost more than $100 million. He suggested investing in maintenance of existing fields while a campus master plan is formulated.
“The really white elephant in the room is the building we’re sitting in,” Mr. Manter said. “We’re missing a piece that I think is important here, and that is a master plan for the entire campus, including the building.”
Public comment went on for some two hours and saw opinions on both sides.
Rebekah Thomson, a founder of the Field Fund Inc., an advocacy group devoted to building and maintaining grass fields at Island schools that tried without success to partner with the high school, highlighted the work her group has done.
“For the last year and a half, the Field Fund has been working with every other [public school] principal to improve playing conditions on their fields,” Ms. Thomson said. “We are developing a cutting-edge approach that is cost-effective and nontoxic. And we’ve embraced a regenerative approach, understanding that the future of your students — our children — depends on communities banding together to make large-scale changes.”
There were concerns about environmental impacts from turf.
“We live on an Island. Islands have limits. My message is this: don’t give up on natural grass surfaces,” said Brendan O’Neill, executive director of the Vineyard Conservation Society.
VCS and the Island chapter of Mass Audubon are among the groups that have taken a stance against artificial turf fields on the Vineyard.
Moira Silva read a letter signed by 65 parents of youth soccer players that criticized MV United league leaders for taking a position in support of turf.
“We do not support our children playing on artificial turf. It was unfair of MV United to assume our agreement . . . without consulting us first,” the letter said in part.
Proponents of turf also had their turn.
Three-sport athlete Mackenzie Condon described losing critical games during her freshman and senior years on a turf field off-Island.
“It seemed like no matter how hard we had worked that season, the same field was waiting for us: a field we were not trained to play on,” she said. “I felt helpless.”
High school athletic director Mark McCarthy said a turf field would promote an inclusive athletic campus because it would be able to hold up under more frequent use.
“We cannot close our campus. We should be doing just the opposite,” Mr. McCarthy said. “Having a field that can take the extra use will only help the rest of the fields across the Island.”
Some called the Huntress plan a compromise.
“It’s five to one. That’s a good compromise. Everyone’s taking hard-line sides, and it’s a compromise. It’s to help the grass grow,” said lacrosse coach Jared Meader, noting that a turf field would reduce demand on the natural grass fields.
Ryan Ruley, also an athletic coach, urged advocates on both sides to pool resources to help pay for the project.
“I just want to propose that we join together, vote this through tonight, and we fund-raise together for grass and turf,” he said.
In the end the vote was as follows: Kathryn Shertzer, Janet Packer, Megan Anderson, Kim Kirk and Kim O’Brien voted to adopt the Huntress plan, while Robert Lionette, Amy Houghton, Skipper Manter and Roxane Ackerman voted against it.
Comments
$11,000,000 for a high school
John Aldeborgh Edgartown$11,000,000 for a high school football field for how many students? We must have solved all the worlds problems to think this is remotely reasonable. Education, is the purpose of high school, recreation is not the objective. As a parent of three young adults, I’ve suffered through the staggering cost of educating my children, I blame most of the cost on the ridiculous and horrifically expensive facilities these institutions build. Education is the key to a secure future, not winning a football game or track event. If we care about our children the school Committee should worry about the athletic facilities only after we’re satisfied with the academic performance of all our students, that’s their most basic priority.
John, you are right. How
diane edgartownJohn, you are right. How many months will these fields be used? What bothers me is the article in the paper last week that our students feel segregated by the haves and the have nots when it comes to the basic computer. Please lets give every student free meals and computers and then lets talk about our fields. Maybe we as an island can do it all. The sad thing is we do need good fields and equipment for our athletes in order for them to compete and have an edge for college admission. I feel that 11.000,000 is an enormous amount of money when I hear about the basic problems that need to be resolved first.
do we? Randall Jet and others
dando we? Randall Jet and others have seemed to do just fine with what we currently have.
Diane and John, with all my
Student EdgartownDiane and John, with all my respect, just because athletics isn't a form of education for you and your children it doesn't mean it isn't a form of education for everyone. I personally played sports my entire life, and I have learned my greatest life lessons from playing on a sports team. Diane, when it comes to field usage, these fields will be used ALL years long. From fall sports, to off season training in the winter, to the spring season. During the summer college athletes can finally have a location to train during their off season.
My son, Randall Jette is
Albie Robinson Oak bluffsMy son, Randall Jette is actually in favor of artificial turf, it makes the most sense for our student athletes to be able to compete against schools that have it already.
Did you read the article? 11
Time for change EdgartownDid you read the article? 11 million is for the whole project not just the track and turf field. Did you attend the meeting last night? Also, there will be fundraising done to help cover the cost of the first phase. If your going to comment, at least get your facts straight.
To me this is a sad day for
Islander TooTo me this is a sad day for Martha's Vineyard.
years of attempts to educate the School Committee have resulted in a D.
Their priorities are skewed. And it is very disappointing to see that the preferences of a few students are allowed to trump the environmental and fiscal concerns of the rest of the community.
I am sorry to say that they sound quite self-centered and limited in their perspectives.
The efforts of the VCS and other conservation groups to raise a new generation of environmentalists via their programs at the high school do not seem to be producing any who will stand up at hte podium and speak in defense of the environment and the interests of other humans besides the high school students---other humans who actually pay the bills via their taxes.
There is far too much emphasis on sports at the high school. There are other pressing needs---such as the upgrade of the building itself. Furthermore, the demonstrated dangers of turf leave the towns open to litigation in the future.
The sanest, most sober and
Adrienne off islandThe sanest, most sober and thoughtful point of view to arise in this debate thus far. May intelligence and prudence prevail.
Thank you Robert, Amy,
Susan Desmarais Oak BluffsThank you Robert, Amy, Skipper and Roxane. Deep respect and gratitude to for trying to do the best, right thing for our students and our island community.
This is a slightly different
AB Oak BluffsThis is a slightly different subject. Is anything being done about all the necessary repairs needed for the high school building?
It's not a different subject
Educator MVIt's not a different subject at all - it's part of the larger conversation. Athletes are frustrated by playing on fields that have suffered from a lack of maintenance for too long, so of course they're eager for something new and improved. If the grass fields had been maintained all along, we wouldn't be having this conversation. Likewise, educators at Island schools are also frustrated by the lack of maintenance for even the most basic of things (for example, window shades!), never mind the things we need to do our jobs effectively, like technology (how telling that even at the school committee meeting, not all the business could be dealt with because of the Internet connectivity issues that have plagued the school (and for years!) and seriously impact student learning and achievement). This is a terrible joke with an unclear punchline -- and the wrong questions are being asked.
I found the comments on micro
Deacon Perrotta Oak BlluffsI found the comments on micro plastics interesting considering our drinking water is derived solely from groundwater. I researched the notion that micro plastics could migrate through soils into the aquifer. I found one article from the "Global Soil Symposium" held in Italy in 2018. The abstract suggests that biogenic activities of burrowing earth worms was worth testing. I quote "We conclude that the high biogenic incorporation rate of the small-fraction microplastics from surface litter into burrow walls causes a risk of leaching through preferential flow into groundwater bodies. Furthermore, this leaching may have implications for the subsequent availability of microplastics to terrestrial organisms or for the transport of plastic-associated organic contaminants in soil."
It should be noted that these micro plastics originated in mulch used for farmland activities to aid in water absorption. Other abstracts conclude that the results of micoplastics in groundwater was inconclusive, but plausible.
OMG have we gone crazy with
Bob EdgartownOMG have we gone crazy with spending money on this Island. We have been spoiled to long with easy money from summer residents. What has happened is now we are addicted to everything being the best of the best for anything we build. No longer are we willing to work with what we have and being grateful for that as well. With new taxes on summer rentals time will let us know how that experiment works. My taxes have gone up plenty and yours as well the only way they go is higher so lets stop the madness.
There goes all my records
J Klingensmith Naples FloridaThere goes all my records
stop raising taxes.
danstop raising taxes.
The committee made the right
Roger Maxwell [email protected]The committee made the right decision as to using turf on the playing fields. My wife's family are natives of Oak Bluffs. Our son was recently appointed high school principal at Iowa's largest high school. The football field at Valley High school using turf. It is used for junior/middle school football games, high school football games and is the sight for one of Iowa's marching band contest. Also the local semi-proof soccer team play its home games on the field. The University of Iowa football team used the field to scrimmage before the Hawkeye faithful in the Fall. I cannot recall any event being cancelled because of inclement weather. It has proven to be safe for the above activities. It is time for the foes as to the use of artificial turf listen to voices besides their own. They do not have the experience in knowing what a good, safe playing field is all about.
I wouldn't call this proven
Elaine TibsuryI wouldn't call this proven safe! https://www.wtrf.com/news/health/developing-around-a-dozen-marshall-cou…
$11 Million dollars for a
Ian Vineyard Haven, MA$11 Million dollars for a artificial turf and all weather track for small high school? Does the high school want to host very large scale track and field invitationals that has about 200 schools? Or does it have ambition to host the state championship meet or event huge scale field hockey or soccer tournaments? Do they think they will host the next Olympic Trails for Track and Field. I don't think that would happen at all. I am a former track and field long distance athlete and I can understand the need for all weather track. For instance, being able to host a meet or even practice in horrible weather conditions. I also see the benefit to improve times on their races. As for the artificial turf, I can sort understand be able to have games during the messy spring and not having to canceled a match on the day of the match. Anyways, but to spend $11 million on athletic facilities for a school that is far less than 1,000 students? I think the majority of that money can be used else where. For example, repairs on existing buildings on campus. Better yet, investing money into STEM education such as creating new curriculum that will prepare the students for new careers and to compete in new job market or evening saving the world from Climate Change. That is practical use of money.
Also, to put into perceptive, I am originally from California and having artificial turf field was one major way to save money on water during pricing hikes on periods of drought. More importantly saved water from a ever consistent drought. It was, therefore, practical to have it and it saved the school money from going over their water account and facing penalized fines for wasting water. Here in place that rarely have serious drought issues during a whole course of a year, having a artificial turf is rather impractical. Furthermore, another perspective, is that $11 million is too much for a all weather track and artificial field. For example, California State University at Sacramento paid $1.4 million dollars, back in 2014, to repaved their main track and warm up track (http://www.hornetsports.com/sports/track/2013-14/releases/2014052248eetj). That is far less than what is being proposed on here, and that track is consider to be one of the fastest tracks in the country that the USATF had their Olympic Trails a couple of times for the 2000 and 2004. I am sure their artificial turf was not that much either. Also,another perceptive, the $11 million was just a portion of my high school's modernization budget. That covered upgrading the auditorium, remove the asbestos from current classrooms and from the auditorium, and upgrade many classrooms and building to fit with energy efficiency and new technology to be outfit'ed for 21st century. The whole point to this is that budgets need to be realistic to small high schools not to the scale of a big university or overcrowded high school such as my high school (which was 2,300 students).
It seems you are a bit out of
Mary EdgartownIt seems you are a bit out of the loop. A new track is needed not to hold Olympic qualifying contests but to simply exist for high school competition. Maybe the olympic trials bit was a sarcastic, hyperbolic comment. But from the rest of your incorrect descriptions of why this plan was established in the first place, I just can't be sure. The current track had to be resurfaced as a temporary bandaid solution after being condemned. It was unusable for competition two seasons ago. This was a safety and usability matter. The resurfacing was a three-year bandaid and our time is running out. This is not too much to ask when you compare our school facility to others of a similar size in the state and country. Fast times, the olympics, and state championship meets were not the impetus for the new track. We have asked for a safe, durable, and inviting track facility where parents and friends are able to watch. This should be standard.
It seems apparent that you have not seen the field conditions we are currently working with if you think that the only thing we are worried about is a few rainy days in the spring. We are talking rocks, uneven ground, dustbowls, mud, and all the resulting injuries from such conditions. It seems apparent that you have not looked at the finances that have been reported. One turf field and 5 grass ones (the plan done by Huntress) was deemed to be cheaper long-term compared to sticking with all natural grass (what we currently have). Also, MV@Play originally had a plan AND the funding for turf fields, and track and athletic facility renovations that was shot down. The community lost big when they decided against this concrete, fully-funded plan.
I hope I helped dispel a bit of your ignorance and inspired you to fully understand what is factual about this issue and exactly why people are fighting for these advancements. You should endeavor to do so on your own next time. Thanks.
$11,000,000 is a ridiculous
WashAbhorred Edgartown$11,000,000 is a ridiculous amount of money to spend on this project. Especially, when that doesn't include maintenance or the replacement field (and the disposal of the old one) in about ten years. If this is the amount necessary to have these sports, plus the cost of the uniforms, coaches pay, equipment, referees, league fees, travel, injuries, and insurance maybe it's time to rethink. How about sticking to intramurals and club sports? Maybe spend the money and hire a couple of other people to keep the existing fields in better shape?
It's an absurd amount of
Vineyard Mack VHIt's an absurd amount of money to be spent on sports. The purpose of our schools is to educate our kids in academic studies.
Schools are for academics and if kids want to play sports they can play on club teams that are not affiliated with the schools. Way too much time, effort and money is spent on school athletics.
I totally agree. Academic
Islander TooI totally agree. Academic studies have confirmed that overemphasis on sports in high schools deprives the whole student population of needed resources. The percentage of students involved in organized team sports is small. Thus, the amount of money devoted to a small portion of the student population is actually inequitable.
Having played pro football
Robert "bubba" Rudolph Katama/western MaHaving played pro football and semi pro, i found the feel of the turf under my feet allowed me to Express my inner Mean Joe Green and this helped bring me back to my underclassman years at Massachusetts Maritime Academy, where i thrived..a man amongst boys..
wow that is amazing thank you
Steve Falmouthwow that is amazing thank you so much for sharing that incredible story
Having played football with
William ExPBA Chilmark/NYCHaving played football with you at MVRHS, I am surprised and disappointed by the narrow perspective from other comments here. It makes me feel like mean Joe Green!
The importance of sports and games in school encompasses more than just the benefit of physical activity. Increases in self-esteem and mental alertness make school sports and games necessary for every school age child. ... It teaches the children life skills like teamwork, leadership, patience, hard work. I'm not advocating any $$$ but seriously no sports! Whats next, no art classes? Island kids would be at a serious disadvantage getting into colleges.
Thanks Robbie.. yes ive heard
Erik "Bonz" Bruguiere Edgartown,boston,anywhereThanks Robbie.. yes ive heard they feel wonderful on your feet, but as a superstar sweeper, the pebbles are really tough to get back in place. My idiol Bob Darlington would say, "you got to do what you got to do"!!!
This may be a very stupid
gina Menemsha/nycThis may be a very stupid question, but why are many of the MVY schools lacking in basic maintenance , both in the Physical buildings (VH) & athletic fields?? Is it lack of proper budget funding or outright ignoring the issue?? There seems to be almost a crisis mode in order to get a school facility finally maintained.. The HS building & playing fields are a prime example of neglect. Is it possible the Superintendent's office can't manage this ?? A definite pattern here..
One turf field will be a step
John Mort VermontOne turf field will be a step in the right direction in helping our student athletes. Right now they are being deprived of fulfilling athletic achievement and excellence that would lead to greater opportunities for our student athletes. I would say that 11 million bucks is pretty steep for this project, I think someone needs to sharpen their pencil.
If I had turf back in high
Pete Lambos OBIf I had turf back in high school I would have received a full scholarship and been drilling field goals for Boston College.
All you tree huggers should
Greg Orcheez EdgartownAll you tree huggers should pick up a ball some time and throw it or maybe kick it around. Take in some of that good Vineyard fresh air while doing these activities it might clear your senses a bit. Hopefully then you will understand that you are the ones polluting the air on this issue.
Talk about skewed priorities.
Slater MVTalk about skewed priorities. What, do you think now you’re going to have your school churning out pro players? Most of these kids will NEVER PLAY ORGANIZED SPORTS AGAIN. What a waste.
A consultant was hired and
Huh! Vineyard HavenA consultant was hired and paid for. If you don't want to hear what consultant's recommend, stop hiring them. Tisbury didn't follow the recommendations of the consultant and poof....14M gone. Steamship looks to be ignoring consultant feedback. Same old story. We always know better than the people we pay for answers to our questions because we are all special. Of course we can limit plastic. This plan was a compromise if you don't look at is an all or nothing. And Kudos to the folks who had the courage to vote yes as they are now being attached by the "all or nothing" people out there. They knew it was coming and were not bullied.
Fundraise Mr. D’Andrea,
Anne EdgartownFundraise Mr. D’Andrea, really? For what 1 square of turf. Who pray tell will you aim your fundraising to? The parents, citizens and businesses that are already paying the price for the outrageous expenditures that occur not only here, but in every town U.S.A. No one is happy with what they have anymore, it is truly a sad state we live in.
Furthermore, take a look at the live expectancy of these turf fields. At best 10-15 years! Then we will be asked to come up with probably $20,000,000 by then for another new field.
Stop the madness!
11 million dollars? Are you
Ted Vineyard Haven11 million dollars? Are you kidding? This is how government wastes taxpayer money and then cries when they need more. This contractor will be smiling all the way to the bank!
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