The Board of Education voted unanimously to recommend the replacement of the artificial turf and track at Middletown High School. They also sent the project to an existing building committee that is overseeing projects at Snow and Farm Hill Schools. They understood that this Building Committee would consider both natural and artificial turf options.
Elisha De Jesus, Director of Athletics, told the Board that the field is at the end of its useful life, after 14 years of use every year by 35 varsity programs, PE classes in fall and spring, band and other programs. Kevin Dion, Director of Facilities, said he doubted that a natural field would function in this location because of drainage issues, "It's very much wetlands, a swampy area."
De Jesus agreed, "The importance of having the [artificial] turf for our kids....is really important as far as athletics is concerned".
Three members of the public spoke against the use of artificial turf. Rebecca MacLachlan has been a strong booster of youth sports, as activities that teach teamwork, self esteem and confidence. However, she pointed out that in 2015 the City decided to not move forward with any of the synthetic turf fields, intead supporting new and existing fields as non-toxic real grass fields." She said, "I'm concerned about our children playing on synthetic turf fields."
Krishna Winston said, "I beg you to please inform yourself before you rush to a decision. ...Go very carefully on this." She highlighted the costs that artificial turf creates in terms of hazardous waste, run-off of chemicals in the materials and the sprays used to maintain the fields, and the exposure of children to potential toxins.
Board member Debra Guss asked Dion whether a natural grass turf alternative had been considered. Dion admitted that it had not, but went on to say that it would be much more expensive.
Prior to the vote, Delita Rose Daniels asked the staff to ensure that both options were evaluated and compared, "Can we be sure that we will have all the information on both types of fields?"
The schools Building Committee consists of 3 members of the Common Council, Vinnie Loffredo, Tony Gennaro, and Meghan Carta, one member of the School Board, Charles Wiltsie, and one member of the disability community, Richard Pelletier. Carta serves as chair. The committee's regularly scheduled meetings are Thursday at 6PM and have been held virtually, they are open to the public.
