<p>A controversial $7.7 million project to overhaul the regional high school’s athletic fields is set to come before the Martha’s Vineyard Commission for its first public hearing.
A controversial $7.7 million project to overhaul the regional high school’s athletic fields is set to come before the Martha’s Vineyard Commission for its first public hearing this week, reigniting a long-simmering debate over artificial turf versus natural grass fields on the Island.
Four years in the making, the first phase of the project, which includes the construction of one synthetic turf field and one natural grass field, has generated dueling public awareness campaigns from both proponents and opponents since it was approved by the high school district committee in 2018.
The project was referred to the Martha’s Vineyard Commission as a development of regional impact by the Oak Bluffs planning board in early 2020.
A Zoom public hearing is scheduled for this Thursday, Jan. 14 at 7 p.m.
The commission has received a mountain of correspondence on the project, with hundreds of Islanders weighing in. The majority of the letter writers oppose the proposal, but many also support it.
The plan before the commission focuses on phase one of the project, which includes construction of a new, multi-purpose synthetic turf field and 400-meter track that would replace the existing football and soccer field at the front of the complex on the Edgartown-Vineyard Haven Road. The new field would be reoriented parallel to the road and include a new grandstand, concessions and bathroom facilities, as well as a 4,800-square-foot field house.
The field house would need approval from the Oak Bluffs wastewater commission to tie into the town treatment plant, according to commission staff reports.
Phase one also includes remodeling a second natural grass field located north of the Martha’s Vineyard Sharks field and stadium.
Overall, the project will be completed in multiple phases and include five additional remodeled grass fields and a new baseball field farther south on the property.
The project has the strong backing of high school athletes and their parents, coaches and staff, who say it is critically needed and long overdue as the athletic fields have suffered from decades of deferred maintenance — especially the track.
Critics point to the project’s cost, maintenance of the fields, the health and safety of artificial turf and environmental impacts of field disposal, lifespan and carbon footprint as concerns.
How the cash-strapped regional high school plans to pay for the project remains something of a mystery. Vineyard schools superintendent Matthew D’Andrea has said private fundraising will pay for the project, but he has provided no details.
The first phase of the project is estimated at approximately $4 million, according to previous statements from school officials.
The project architect is Chris Huntress of Andover-based Huntress Associates.
Tensions have run high since the project was initially aired in 2016, with proponents of natural grass fields and artificial turf fields clashing in public meetings for the better part of four years. Advocacy groups have organized on both sides of the issue. The Field Fund has installed and maintained natural grass fields at multiple Island elementary schools, including West Tisbury and Oak Bluffs, and is a strong opponent of turf fields. MV@Play is a group that formed early on to support synthetic turf.
In 2018, the high school committee hired Huntress as project designer and eventually settled on a plan that included both turf and grass fields. In early 2019 a divided school committee voted 5-4 at an overflow meeting to approve the current iteration of the project, with the main turf field, and five grass fields.
Written comments can still be submitted by emailing commission staff Lucy Morrison [email protected] or DRI coordinator Alex Elvin at [email protected]. The commission asks that those interested in testifying at the public hearing Thursday email commission staff beforehand.
Lucy Morrison's email has been corrected. The correct email is [email protected].
Comments
This is a defining moment in
Islandgirl WTThis is a defining moment in island education and sets up a very sad dynamic. We've heard that this project is being watched across the country by proponents of artificial turf because of the testimony both negative and positive being generated on a high scientific and technological level. There is an enormous amount of money in play here as companies attempt to garner lucrative contracts to construct, install and maintain fake grass fields. It is tragic because of we are overlooking and/ignoring the real problem which is that the 60 year old Regional High School is in parlous condition and in desperate need of an enormous amount of repair work. In fact, according to the Superintendent (Town Meeting speeches several years ago) the scope of work may actually require total replacement of the whole building at a cost of well in excess of 100 million dollars.
There are also a number of long term consequences associated with the use of artificial turf which seem to have received insufficient attention. One is the types and severity of sports injuries, and another is the danger of contaminating our single source aquifer, particularly if the State Forest experiences a serious fire which ignites the turf.
Irrespective of the merits and deficits (some extremely serious) of the artificial turf, and for the most benefit for our students, we MUST undertake the educational facility and all of the associated components first and not the sports facility. Sports are an important component of education but can never be allowed to drive a project of this scope. Further we must consider the long term consequences of such a decision. To do otherwise would truly negatively impact our kids' education and their futures.
One last side note -- installing fake grass with all the chemical and possible long term consequences directly over our single source aquifer AND a State Forest which is currently virtually untended and a dangerous fire hazard would be a really DUMB move. If the Forest were to have a fire (this should be "when" and not "if") and various chemicals leach into our ground water, we'll be really in trouble.
The island community does not
Island Parent Oak BluffsThe island community does not want artificial fields, our children deserve better. If this goes through we are literally paying people to pollute the island, not to mention all the money that flows out of the community to these artificial turn companies that could instead be kept on island if we installed natural grass fields.
Ilandgirl, Do you work for a
Paul Oak BluffsIlandgirl, Do you work for a sod farm? Only anti-turf proponents like you are watching Nationwide as turf fields are not only widespread but the majority of new fields being installed at high schools nationwide.Natural Grass is not feasible for the kind of use at a public high school. The injuries from poor grass fields greatly outnumber those on turf fields. This is a Vineyard issue because of the convoluted approval process. In most States, Public school districts are exempt from local zoning boards and after the Board of Ed voted, the field would be built. Enough already.
While the MVC is weighing in
Peter Palches Oak BluffsWhile the MVC is weighing in on grass vs. artificial turf at MVRHS, the MVRHS board might want to look at two features of the MVC that would make its long-overdue work on renovating or replacing the whole high school much more productive.
MVC operates on income raised by taxing every property at the same rate, anywhere on the Island. If the high school did that we wouldn't have the current problem of a property in one town paying seven times as much for the high school as a property of the same value in another town pays.
Secondly, to become an elected member of the Commission, and decide on issues of regional importance, you have to face voters Island-wide. To get on the MVRHS Board, you don't face voters at all on issues related to the High School. (You run for a k-8 board and then may or may not serve on the hMVRHS board.)
Young people for generations to come would benefit if the High School were to follow the example of the Commission – on the fair way money is raised, and how its board members are directly accountable to voters island-wide.
Yes discussions in the end
Bob EdgartownYes discussions in the end always seem to come down to money. I do not see the problem with any of the budgets on the island about not having enough money. I see more of the problem with how the money is spent. The school budget on this island has been talked about many times and is one of the highest in the state. We always get double speak about how that’s not true and it’s not apples to apples but the reality is we spend plenty of taxpayer dollars already on the schools. A look inward and making hard choices about where to cut is always difficult. And with all budgets be at the school, the towns, the steamship Authority, Or any other public organization, one of the largest expenses is staff and salaries. These need to be looked at carefully and at some point positions should be eliminated and or An absolute ceiling on salary.
Life must be good, if we’ve
John Aldeborgh EdgartownLife must be good, if we’ve got $7.5M to spend on a sports monument then our education facilities, staff quality and test scores must be in great shape. This investment begs the question, what constitutes a good high school education. To me it’s preparing our youth to succeed in life. While physical activity and sportsmanship are important they pale by comparison to the value of learning to communicate, think critically and work in an increasingly technology based society. High school is not an end, rather preparation for a beginning, be it college, a trade or other vocation, this must be our priority if we hope to do the most good for the largest number of children.
Just raising a knowledgeable
Retired Senior Associate Athletic Director at Sacred Heart University Vineyard HavenJust raising a knowledgeable point. Without at least one synthetic field for sports that may lead to an athletics scholarship (Football, Soccer and Field Hockey come into mind) is also serving our athletes. They will never have the opportunity to attend a Div1 athletic program. They just will not hav the skills to compete because playing sports on a synthetic field vs grass is very different. There are great companies out there that have addressed many of the environment implications of turf. I would suggest whomever does the research start with some of the newer fields at Div 1 institutions.
With all due respect, think
Josh Thomson West TisburyWith all due respect, think it's a mistake to suggest that athletes need to play on plastic in order to be competitive. Others of us who work in sports know that countless elite athletes from around the globe have proven that drive, adaptability, resiliency, and coaching are far more important skills in sport and in life. Given that NFL players (most of whom get to play on a new field every season) are demanding that all their practice and game fields be returned to grass, I don't think anyone should assume that the latest innovations are any safer. As for the great companies addressing the environmental concerns, I'm am also skeptical. No amount of green-washing can change the fact that this is tons of artificial plastic material.
NOTHING HAPPENS UNTIL THE
TRIP BARNES 02568NOTHING HAPPENS UNTIL THE MYSTERY DONOR/DONORS PAY UP GREAT GIFT ....Trip Barnes hsd
Plastic Free MV (PFMV) is a
Annemarie Ralph West TisburyPlastic Free MV (PFMV) is a group concerned about plastic waste in our community. In the last few years, we successfully passed a bylaw banning the sales and distribution of plastic water and soda bottles under 34oz in four of the six island towns. A small group of young students worked tirelessly for years to pass this bylaw, because they know and understand the dangers of plastic on their environment.
As the leader of this group of students, I am compelled to write in opposition of the artificial (plastic) turf field proposed for installation at MVRHS.
I have read letters to the MVC (in opposition and pro-turf) and I am deeply concerned that a decision is going to be made that does not honor our Earth. I have read letters from other groups regarding the risk of a plastic turf field on the aquifer, on oysters, on ponds, on the forest…..it’s even a fire hazard. There is an overwhelming abundance of scientific evidence that says an artificial turf is the wrong answer.
We know the dangers of microplastics, we know that something has to be done to turn this around. Last year I attended the WHOI conference on microplastics and was shocked to find out how little we have this problem under control, and how much worse it is going to get. It will take billions just in cleaning up the ocean. Wouldn’t that money be better spent on education? This “throw-away” society needs to change. An artificial turf is a poisonous band-aid on a much larger problem.
I don’t understand how some can focus on ‘athletic children’ and the possible benefits to their sports careers, while entirely disregarding the science behind this decision. I understand that a turf field “looks good.” In my opinion a natural grass playing field is even more beautiful, and more importantly - it does no harm. In fact it is much better for all living things.
Isn’t it time we thought of the greater good, including the many non-human species that will be affected by this, and not just the good of only a few?
Great comment, Annemarie.
Katherine Scott TisburyGreat comment, Annemarie.
It is heartening to know that some of the next generation can take the long view regarding Earth's future.
In my view this project is selfish, delusional, and shortsighted.
Can we clear up several
Islander61 OBCan we clear up several misstatements made here in the comments and by those who oppose this project?
1. Please don't pretend to speak for all islanders by saying "no one wants it". Speak for yourself and the few you must be talking to. There is overwhelming support for the project by many islanders, specifically the users of the fields; coaches, players and parents.
2. If the concern is the chance the state forrest will catch fire and spread to the turf field, that is a reach at best, but lets say that is truly your concern, then why put a school, YMCA, Ice Rink, and Community Service buildings in the same location where the materials being used in the construction of those buildings haven't been as thoroughly vetted as the materials being used in the turf. Read all the materials being submitted to the MVC about the what the turf is made of and the safe guards that are being put in place.
3. Financial. This project was started 6 years ago and has always been a project where private donations will be used to construct it, similar to the rink renovation a couple years ago. Who was opposing that project? Then in fact, after the field is built it will actually be cheaper to maintain than a grass field. This is also demonstrated in the documents submitted by the school. This project is actually fiscally responsible allowing the school district the ability to focus on financing the construction or renovation of the high school building while allowing private funds to be used for the fields. By the way, there are also going to be 5 other fields that will be grass.
4. Safety. When you thoroughly read peer reviewed studies, not just things people say, regarding the safety of turf fields vs grass, you will find that there isn't a significant difference between the grass fields being compared to turf. Especially the newest generation of turf. If you also read these studies carefully you will find that most of the studies compare meticulously managed grass fields, ie. like found at Division 1 colleges that are compared to turf fields. Study the typical Northeast high school grass fields vs turf then make a comparison. The results will be significantly different. In addition, there will be significantly lower amounts of nitrogen being pumped onto the fields due to no fertilizer being used on turf, this will aid in protecting the ponds.
Lastly, Falmouth, Sandwich, Barnstable, Nauset, Monomoy and yes, even Nantucket, all Cape and Islands districts, have a turf field. If they were so harmful, why would school districts be installing them? Because they are safer, easier and cheaper to maintain. Progress isn't always bad.
The science is there. Let science, and not emotion, make this decision.
It is not easy to translate
Rob OBIt is not easy to translate such well-thought-out comments into reality. For example, create Examples 1 2 3 etc, . Maybe one example for each town. I strongly believe ALL property owners have a pro-rata obligation to support this island and its residents and especially its public schools. But-- when it comes to a project of this magnitude-favoring athletic fields when the RHS is falling apart--let's not conflate fake grass vs, real grass with the overall benefits of a great high school education. Homeowners in each town, whether seasonal or year-round, should have at least some idea of the added cost they will need to absorb in these very difficult times. For those in the grip of financial panic, barely able to make mortgage payments, how can we ask them to help fund athletic fields?
At this time, no recycles
Abby Normal The RockAt this time, no recycles used artificial turf. So how can one put such a product on this island? Seems short sighted. If the current fields have lacked maintenance for decades, why would any field, regardless of grass or otherwise, not be in the same dilapidated state in another few years. Perhaps the larger question is why, the High School had not done the proper maintenance over the years. And why one would expect that to change?
Abby, There is a commitment
Islander61 OBAbby, There is a commitment to recycling the turf when it is at it's end of life. There are letters on the MVC site stating this guarantee by the companies who will bid on the project. There is a facility overseas that has agreed to accept the turf when it is replaced and it will be recycled. In ten years, I would expect there may be a similar facility in the States. If you actually read the proposal, you will find that field overuse is the reason for the need for a turf field. You can't play that many sports at the time of year they are played and expect grass to succeed. Professional teams have dedicated teams to maintain their grass fields, high schools can not commit those kind of resources. It takes money, manpower and field rest, neither are available at the high school level. Professionals play one sport for one season on their fields and notice even Gillette Stadium and the Meadowlands couldn't maintain grass, both northeast stadiums, and replaced their grass with turf.
Most students will never play
MarieMost students will never play “D1” sports.
Is this for a pipe dream?
Our island has many times
Stina Sayre VINEYARD HAVENOur island has many times moved towards more sustainable solutions, such as banning plastic bags. Artificial turf is a step backwards! Artificial turf is made from plastic, and has to be replaced every 7-10 years. Natural fungi kill contagions like bacteria and viruses from spit, vomit, and animal feces on grass fields, while artificial turf requires harsh chemicals to prevent disease. The chemicals created through inorganic disinfection and plastic degradation are being placed directly above our islands main source of water. To gamble on our water source seems down-right irresponsible. Why do we live on MV? -Because of the Islands natural beauty, fresh air, and good water quality. lets keep it that way.
Is there an opportunity here
Jose Oak BluffsIs there an opportunity here for the High School to expand vocational training to include maintenance of a turf field? It seems to me that this training might be very useful for our Island where landscaping is a key service, and might prepare some of our young people for the real world while helping to defray costs. Or is this impossible because of union rules? Necessity is supposed to be the mother of invention. The dollars quoted in this article call out for more creative solutions.
Have any of the commenters
august west edgartownHave any of the commenters here actually played a game on artificial turf? I have, and it’s an awful experience. I bet if you bothered to ask the kids, they’d want the grass.
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