Nyack School Board Favors Adding Artificial Turf on Athletic Fields

Many Nyack High School athletic teams often play or practice away from the the high school’s fields.

Currently, the softball team plays in the Upper Nyack Fields. The football, lacrosse and soccer teams mostly play on MacCalman Field.

That is just part of why Nyack Superintendent Dr. James Montesano said he anticipates that the board of education will approve a resolution at its Aug. 20 meeting that would put a bond resolution on the ballot next May for funding a number of items including artificial surfaces on the athletic fields at the high school.

“If this referendum were to be approved, the resolution would include improvement to our athletic fields but also address many of our infrastructure needs, like replacing outdated fire alarm systems, boilers, roofs, windows, upgrades to our technology program and improved school security,” Montesano said.

The board of education discussed the issue at a meeting July 7.

Board Trustee Dan Juenchter said, “Many community groups like the Valley Cottage Indians soccer team use cleats on the grass and it gets completely torn up.”

Juenchter also brought up that the field hockey coach mentioned to him that the girls play on artificial turf in 80 percent of their games, so it would be better if they could practice on an artificial surface.  

Board member Leann Irvin was personally invested in the issue, saying, “My daughter plays softball on the fields, and her coach was at second base with a squeegee for ten minutes cleaning off the mud.”

Superintendent Jim Montesano also expressed his interest in inputting an artificial surface on the Nyack High School fields.

“It would bring all the Nyack High School sports to one place, making everything a lot easier,” said Montesano.

Montesano added that the sprawling locations for practice and games are a safety concern as well. 

“As of now the athletic trainer is running around to different fields,” said Montesano. “It’s a safety issue because the trainer can’t be everywhere.”

Some in the district are concerned of the environmental impact that placing down an artificial surface can have.

In response to this matter, Irvin said, “If coaches and athletic directors are saying they want turf, we should accept their expertise.”

Michael Mark, who is entering his sixth year on the board, was also arguing for the new fields.

“Even though there is a cost, it allows for much more frequent use, and will no add tax dollars. While we have this opportunity, we might as well do as much as we can,” said Mark. 

At the conclusion of the discussion, it was clear where the school board members would support putting artificial surfaces in on the right and left fields of the school, and keep a grass field for softball and little league use.

These needs were identified through a community-based committee of over thirty members that was established by the Board of Education last fall.

The Citizens Advisory Committee met over several months, taking tours of the schools, meeting with experienced architects and developing a detailed report.