Cost Of Turf Field To Be Determined Soon

July 30, 2010 by Josh Morgan

In the next few days, the actual cost of the proposed turf field project at Cheshire High School should be known, when the results of a recently completed study is to be released.
A consultant, Stantec Consulting Services, was brought on board to study the site and provide a professional estimate for the turf project. Up to this point, members of the Turf Committee have been estimating the possible overall cost of the project based on conversations they have had with manufacturers and installers.
Stantec was recently at the Maclary Athletic Complex drilling pits and testing soil in an effort to develop a schematic design and cost estimate for the field and running track that will surround it.
"The lines will begin to narrow as we get more information from Stantec," said Bob Behrer, chairman of the Turf Committee. "We'll get their estimates about the costs and it could alter the target. Hopefully it won't get bigger, but smaller."
Stantec was hired unanimously by the Board of Education on July 8 for a cost of no more than $9,000. The monies are being divided by the school district and the Turf Committee, with donations footing the bill for the turf aspect of the study. Previously allocated funds for the track portion are paying for the other fees not related to the turf field.
Behrer explained that previous estimates for the turf project were furnished by turf installers and suppliers, but a firm cost was never really established. Stantec will be able to determine how much work needs to be done under the field in regards to drainage, which is another cost driver.
"We'll find out if we're at the high end or low end of the range," Behrer said. "Their estimate will carry a lot more weight than ours."
So far, more than $210,000 in donations have been received, which, when coupled with a $525,000 state grant, brings the Committee close to the estimated cost of $825,000. Donations of all sizes have been obtained by the Committee, from smaller donations from residents, to larger donations of over $20,000 from local athletic groups and clubs.
According to a Town Council resolution from November 2009, the committee had to raise 50 percent of the outstanding balance before consideration would be given to formally accept the state grant.
Behrer stated that, in order to know what 50 percent actually means, they will have to have a hard estimate, information Stantec will hopefully provide.
However, Behrer remains confident in the amount raised thus far will exceed the 50 percent threshold.
"We will be over 50 percent, that much I know," Behrer said. "We'll get the report, then go to the Board of Education and make our case and hopefully get their approval. Then we'll make an appointment with the Town Council to discuss the project and hopefully they vote to accept the state grant."
If the Council does agree to accept the grant, Behrer said the committee would work feverishly to raise the remaining balance, to ensure that the construction of the field is paid entirely through the grant and donations. He considered the estimate from Stantec to be just one part of the process that started in 2007, when State Representative Mary Fritz "listened to the parents and kids" and obtained the grant for Cheshire. The process has continued with fundraising and outreach efforts and Behrer hopes it culminates with the construction of a turf field at CHS.
"I feel that this is going to become a reality," Behrer commented. "Once we know the balance of funds to be raised and everyone gets back from vacation, we'll start the final fundraising requirement. I think people will respond quickly and positively."
The timing of the construction, if the funds are raised and the project is given the green light, is up for debate. Behrer stated that fields can be installed in two to three months’ time, but it is important not to disrupt any activities during the school year.
One option could be for the turf company hired for the project to start excavation after all fall activities have concluded, let it sit for the winter, then finish it in the spring before activities start up again.
Another option would be just to wait until next summer when school lets out and do it all at once. If the field is completed in the spring or summer of 2011, Behrer said it didn't matter since he could already imagine the end result.
"We can see the finish line. We've gotten all this way. Raising the extra money won't take that long," he said. "Having this report down is the beginning of the final sequence. It's just a matter of what the number is and what do we need and how long will it take us to do it."
For more information, visit www.cheshirealumnifield.com.