Turf in Seymour
If you're curious to learn more about artificial turf, you may want to follow what happens in Seymour. They are just setting sail in their quest for turf (WRA, by Jodie Mozdzer). "The town will seek bids this week to install artificial turf at the DeBarber Sports Field at Seymour High School."
I'm not sure how Seymour is planning on funding their project, either through local tax dollars, state tax dollars, private fundraising (as initially suggested in Cheshire) or through other means. But "First Selectman Robert J. Koskelowski said... initial estimates for the project have come back at about $900,000." Unfortunately, the article doesn't seem to give any substantive cost details on things such as the "foundation" or annual maintenance.
I've requested such "lifecycle" cost details several times for the proposed CHS turf. I haven't seen anything yet though.
Tim White
Town Council, 4th District
14 comments:
And we all know what happens with estimates and actual project costs. It's likely to cost them more than $900,000. They'll need to use a machine on the field after nearly every use (or so said our AD). Cost of the machine? That would have to be added in. Cost of the person to run the machine? Add that in. Machine breakdowns? Add in the repair costs. Possible damage to turf? Add in the repair cost for that too. How much will they save on maintenance? Not very much it seems. Replacement cost of the turf itself? Well it will not be near the cost of $900,000-$1,000,000. According to Cheshire's town councilor who pushed for Cheshire to get turf also, the replacement cost would be around $300,000.
Expensive project, if you ask me.
In a public statement by the Athletic Director when he sent to start this idea a few years ago at a Board of Education meeting, the statement was the maintenance cost of the present dirt field was around $20,000 per year. This was verified by the Supt of Schools. Tell me, do we really think the cost of ownership for fake grass is less than $20,000?
the cost of the machine is included when you buy the turf
Much less than 20 k
Anyone can run the machine no need to hire new people
Do we really need this? Why? Just more wasted money on the BOE. Where does it end? When the average tax bill is $15k.
10:17, 10:18, & 10:19 one in the same, I'm sure. The cost of the machine may be in the total original cost for the turf but no one has given any replacement cost for the machine and no one from the boe has confirmed that maintenance costs would be less. In fact the boe has never approved turf being installed. And as Tim has said, he asked but couldn't get any lifecycle costs.
Anon 2:06 Do we really need this? No. It's the dems on the town council that are trying to push it through.
I like turf and I will support it
The life cycle of the infilled turf is over 10 years. The "machine" to maintain the field is a brush that is dragged across the field once a month (takes about 45 minutes). There are a ton or positive reasons why towns are installing these synthetic grass fields - which is why there are over 50 such fields already in CT. Most towns in CT are at least considering this option. Try to get some more information about this before just dismissing the idea. The cost for such a field can also be partially recouped with savings in maintanance and possible field rental fees. More info can be found at www.fieldturf.com.
I have one question, has the Council proposed spending town money to purchase the turf? If they are pushing it through is it part of the capital budget? I thought one person asked the State Reps. to consider the project over a year ago and were basically told the money would not be comming.
Any worse of a project than less than mile of a trail that cost more and put people in danger?
Fact"Money would come from the state
FactWoiuld not burden the cheshire taxpayer any more than they already are
FactSaves money
Factcommunity wants room filled night of request
Fact safer for players
Fact: was nevered determined state would pay for whole thing
Fact: never solid proof it would pay for itself...rental income? See the big white pool
Fact:I think its sad that this is the most popular topic on the blog right now
Fact: if this had to go to referendum it would be denied if town was paying for it.
Fact: there are no numbers to suppport that costs(including eventual replacement at end of life) would be the same
Question: Why is it so important to you that we fill the room? Why cant they play on grass? Less injuries...have your kid join the chorus if you are so worried
This project will not be done if the state doesn't offer the money.
As to why it is needed, you can used a grass field 25-30 times a year. A turf field can be used 24/7/365. That is the difference.
Fact state pays for it or we dont do it
Fact It is going to save money already doucmented at the metting that night
fact it is money better spent than the trail
fact look the facts above here
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