Potential Turf Field???!!!!

In upcoming years, there might be a turf field at CDS

drew Cullent

As we all know, the CDS field condition is terrible at times and the school is constantly having to fill in holes and plant grass which is a very big financial commitment. If CDS invested in a turf field, there would be no more holes needing to be filled Plus, on wet and rainy days, we would still be able to use the field if students wanted to. With a brand new field, CDS would have many exciting opportunities.

Turf Field

CDS would also have to clear some space for the field If CDS cleared out some of the forest next to the field, we would probably have enough space Landowners pay an average cost of $2,565 to $4,520 to clear the land of trees, brush, and other obstacles. The national average cost is $2,900. Land grading cost is $0.08 to $2.00 per square foot, with homeowners typically paying $770 to $3,000 to grade and level a 1,000 to 2,000 square foot lot The price for grading an acre is $15,800 to $44,535, with a national average of $30,000. The cost to grade land varies with project size, site topography, fill dirt cost, permits, and waste removal.

The next question that comes to mind is how much it would cost and how big the turf could be Installing an artificial field costs approximately $4.75 per square foot. A second cost is the drainage base, which averages $4 per square foot. At a minimum, a school should budget $700,000 to install a new artificial field. Considering that the average price of tuition of our school is around $28,730 per year, it would take 20 student tuitions, which would in total be about 1 million dollars, to pay for the field. If CDS spends its money wisely, we could probably get a field.

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Land grading cost is $0.08 to $2.00 per square foot, with homeowners typically paying $770 to $3,000 to grade and level a 1,000 to 2,000 square foot lot The price for grading an acre is $15,800 to $44,535, with a national average of $30,000. The cost to grade land varies with project size, site topography, fill dirt cost, permits, and waste removal. The maintenance costs for an artificial turf sports field range from $7,000 to $23,000 per year, depending on the size of the field, the geographical location, the type of turf used on the field, and the equipment available.

Along with installation costs, there are other negatives associated with turf fields Both infill particles and broken synthetic grass fibers can travel away from the fields, contributing to microplastic pollution. Artificial turf can become much hotter than natural grass on a warm day Of those non-contact injuries, players have a 32% higher rate of non-contact knee injuries on turf and a staggering 69% higher rate of non-contact foot/ankle injuries on turf compared to grass. While turf fields only have a life expectancy of about 8-10 years with the right maintenance, it is much longer than a grass field The Hawk Weekly estimates that the whole project would cost around 1 million dollars.

Here is an interview with the Head of School

David Buffum about the topic

Q: Do you think it is possible in the future for CDS to invest in a field?

A: Absolutely, in fact we have been thinking about it for some time now

Q: What possibilities and new activities could a new field bring?

A: The reasons why we consider it are two-fold: 1 is durability and all of the pros that come with it If we did the turf field we would also do a sports court up by the gaga ball pit It would be ideally for basketball, tennis, pickleball, and volleyball.

Q: What are your thoughts on the project?

A: It is more complex than it sounds but we would have to work with the town to get permission to build the field

Q: Has there been any talk between the teachers about getting a turf field in the future?

A: Not with the teachers but I have definitely talked to the board of trustees about getting one and it is one of my goals to get one

Q: How much does our field's maintenance cost per year?

A: Probably like 30 grand if we were to re-sod it but I would have to get back to you on the exact number.

It appears that CDS could definitely get a field in the future At the next gala or fundraiser for the school, keep in mind that we could use this money for a turf field so maybe donate a bit extra. :)