By:Sally Goldenberg
The district’s athletic officials made another plea for funding to install a synthetic turf at the high school’s Noonan Field at the Jan. 27 board meeting.
"This is an item that athletically we sorely need," Athletic Director Rocky Forte said.
The turf, known as "FieldTurf," would comprise sand and rubber, has its own drainage system and looks like natural grass, but won’t suffer from the same wear and tear, Mr. Forte said. The cost of installation was pegged at $400,000.
Head football coach Rick Mantz said that when other schools’ fields are unfit for a game, Hillsborough could make a profit renting out the space. He added the current field is safe for use only 10 to 12 times a year.
"The NFL Players Association ranked the fields in Detroit and Seattle (using the FieldTurf), among the best in the league. For the same issues that the NFL and many major colleges have such as safety, durability, maintenance, multi-use needs we think that the rubber-sand infill systems are the future," Mr. Mantz said.
He also said if the budget passes and includes FieldTurf and bids are accepted, the new field could be used in September.
The board included the turf in last year’s initial budget, but when the it was defeated the plan to install the synthetic field was cut.
"I think it’s unnecessary," said Hillsborough resident Connie Johnson, who sends her three children to Catholic schools.
She added that more needs to be cut and changed statewide to curb rising taxes for Hillsborough residents.
Dr. Gulick would not confirm whether this will appear in the budget he’s presenting on Feb. 10.
