Board of Education Discusses Possible Athletics Project

The Kings Park has taken the first step towards renovating a district athletic facility, holding a special meeting Nov. 30 to discuss capital improvements.

Although it's still in the discussion phase, the likely focal point of the project is the installation of artificial turf fields to replace the worn natural grass surfaces. An early estimation of the project, which is likely to include the renovation of locker rooms and the creation of female team rooms, places the price tag in the four- to five-million dollar range. An exact figure will be available once the specifics are decided.

The district said the plan was originally to be a private fundraising endeavor. However, it became apparent that the necessary money could not be raised in an appropriate time frame, and superintendent Dr. Susan Agruso said a discussion of alternatives was necessary.

"When you change from fundraising to a bond project… that becomes a very different conversation, and actually gets us to a community meeting like this to consider whether or not even such an activity should be undertaken at this point," she said.

Head football coach Mark O'Brien told the overflowing crowd he is in favor of pushing forward even though he wasn't sure the timing was right.

"We missed the boat on the last bond," he said. "Everybody else who did a bond made sure the fields, the gyms, the weight rooms, the locker rooms were all included. I don't believe what we're talking about is something we want. It's something we need."

O'Brien also said the facilities need to be expanded, repainted, updated – and better funded. 

"There are 41 pieces of equipment in that weight room right now… I own 27 of them," he said.

Artificial turf fields are cheaper to maintain and also do not require water. The district said the lack of an adequate watering system contributed to the poor conditions of the field this summer in addition to overuse. 

Many of the residents were concerned with the timing of the project in uncertain economic times, an opinion echoed by board vice president Marie Goldstein.

"Is a hungry developer going to give us a discount? Maybe throw in a few extras?" she said. "That's why we're discussing this with the people."

Resident Deanna Smith believes that any vote on a bond should be postponed until after the budget is decided.

"It should definitely be done, but let's get the budget passed first," she said. "If our budget doesn't pass, we're not going to have the programs to play on this field."

The next step in the process is discussing what should and should not be included in the project and establishing a timeline; Goldstein said this would be arranged at a future meeting.