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Last year, during an inspection, it was discovered that the connecting seams that run along the width of the field in five-yard intervals were beginning to lift, posing a safety hazard for students, student-athletes and the community.
The district determined that the best course of action would be a near $2 million bond to replace the turf field in its entirety, which more than 70 percent of voters approving the bond.
According to the district, the field is used daily by 800 middle and high school physical education classes and students at recess. After school, modified, JV and varsity sports teams make use of it for practice and games. On weekends, more than 2,000 participants in town leagues, and camps are also generating wear and tear on the field.
The turf field, which was installed in 2002, was used by district sports team, physical education classes and members of the community who get exercise during the day. Similar fields typically last between eight and 10 years.
Members of the public have been invited to join the Eastchester Board of Education, district staff faculty and administrators in celebrating the grand reopening of the track from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 28 at the high school.
In addition to the turf replacement, the bond also funded much needed masonry repointing at the middle and high school, a complete track resurfacing and the installation of a perimeter fence and additional security cameras.
The field, track, cameras and fencing comprised of $1.05 million of the bond, with the repointing work comprising of the additional $850,000. According to school officials, the districted opted for a turf field over natural grass due to the field’s constant usage and because the foundation was already in place for the synthetic surface.
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