Artificial Turf Field At Rockville High School Officially Opens

VERNON, CT — All attention was on the Rockville High School girls soccer team Friday evening as the Rams officially opened the new artificial turf field at the RHS stadium.

Opening ceremonies marked the culmination of a $1.5 million project that was years in the making, but took shape between the last day of school in June and and just before the current school year began in August. Then, the Rams took on Windsor.

"Athletics are an important part of the educational experience that the town of Vernon provides to its children," Mayor Daniel Champagne said. "This investment by taxpayers in a modern track and field will be a great venue for our athletic teams and another pleasant place for our residents to walk."

Vernon Superintendent of Schools Joseph P. Macary said the new facility is something everyone in Vernon
can appreciate and enjoy.

"This field is going to bring a renewed sense of pride to our schools and community," Dr. Macary said. "Many
of our sports teams – lacrosse, soccer, football, track and field – are going to use it, along with our band. And it
is going to be open to the community so people can use the track to exercise."

In the spring, Vernon voters approved spending available cash to replace the aging track and natural grass field at Rockville High School with this new turn field and all-weather track.

To pay for the field, a total of $1,129,462 was taken out of the capital non-recurring fund for education for a field turf surface and maintenance plan. The balance — $419,709 for a new track and field surface — came from the municipal general fund.

Macary said an artificial surface will add 30 to 35 days of usage to the complex because of fewer drainage and weather-related issues.

Permanent lines for football and soccer are part of the field. Lacrosse lines will be painted on seasonally.

Field committee members are Karen Affedt, Charles Chatterton, Jeff Farrell, Anne Fischer, Keith Hodson, Stephen Linton, Brian Motola, Marty Sitler, , Scott Smith, and Steve Wakefield.

Liberty Landscape of South Windsor was the contractor.

The track will also be open to the community for walking and running.

Here's a look at the first night: