Turf Field Sought For Bensalem High School

BENSALEM TOWNSHIP, PA —Bensalem High School will be the only one in Bucks County that does not have a turf field. But that could change if a budget request by the athletics department is approved in the 2023-2024 school budget.

During its second 2023-2024 school budget presentation Tuesday, Athletics Director Geoffrey Per stated in a PowerPoint presentation that the athletics department was seeking a $750,000 to $1.25 million capital expenditure for a turf field at the high school.

Per stated that teams in the Suburban One League play on turf fields and that "Field Hockey desperately needs turf more than any other sport."

He said that soccer, lacrosse, and football are typically played on turf fields in the league and that having one would mean fewer cancellations due to inclement weather.

The field would also preserve the gyms for practice, and provide opportunities for rentals.

The athletics department was also seeking a $250,000 capital expenditure to expand its number of tennis courts.

The high school currently has four tennis courts. Seven courts are needed to host a varsity match.

"We previously had eight courts and the construction that began in 2014 eliminated four courts," Per said.

He said that adding more tennis courts would save the school district on busing costs since the high school boys' and girls' teams have to play mostly away matches.

The department also has requested two other capital expenditures:

Pickle Ball Courts (6) —$150,000
"If we are getting tennis courts, it is a great opportunity to add some pickleball courts. It is the fastest growing sport in the nation, featured on ESPN, utilized in physical education classes, and could be a PIAA sport down the road," Per said.

He said the courts would also benefit the community since there are none currently in Bensalem.

Varsity Baseball Backstop —$25,000
Per said the backstop is needed for three reasons: it’s old, needs to be replaced, and is not the
adequate size.

He added that there are countless safety issues with balls constantly hitting cars and the buildings across Byberry Road.

"We have players running across the road during games to retrieve foul balls and this would be resolved with a proper backstop," he said.

The new backstop would also save on the $90 cost of buying a case of balls, said Per, adding that once the balls hit the asphalt, they can only be used in the future as practice balls.

The school district will hold its next budget session at 6:30 p.m. on May 9.

The adoption of the proposed 2023-2024 school budget is set for 6 p.m., May 17, with the adoption of the final budget at 6 p.m. on June 21.