By Oxford Leader Publisher Jim Sherman, Jr.
Oxford Schools would like to be able to use the football stadium for more than football.
It’s hard to believe how many different uses the field could accommodate. Try 644 vs. 61 now. That includes more football as Bill Keenist said, ‘Remember last fall that Saturday afternoon state playoff was initially awarded to Oxford High School only to be rescinded due to not having turf.?
Band, Lacrosse, Soccer for all ages, not just varsity but freshman, JV and all gym classes. The potential use could bring in events every weekend. Imagine, the dollar opportunity for the business community when 30 bands show up for competition with mom and dad and extended family.
Synthetic surfaces have been around since the sixties. Lots have changed since but the biggest change is the glue. People won’t find loose seams. The synthetic turf council says the turf will and NCAA agrees it is softer according to a study done in 2003-2004 academic year.
This is what some other school folks have said:
Rochester Adam HS Athletic Director Jason Rapp ? ‘After installing synthetic turf at our stadiums in Rochester, it became clear very quickly that it was the best facility decision that we ever made for athletics, physical education and youth sports in the community.?
Oxford School Board Member Bill Keenist ? ‘I believe the biggest misconception surrounding the artificial turf field option is that it would be a ‘luxury? for our school district and our community. Nothing could be father from the truth. In fact, the opposite is true. Grass fields are the luxury. Turf fields have become the necessity. When you look at all the factors involved and compare the two options, it’s easy to understand why the vast majority of high schools in Oakland County have made the prudent decision to invest in turf fields.?
Uses of a Synthetic Turf Field:
44 Athletic contests
16 Youth football games
42 Band practices
146 Athletic practices
90 Physical education classes
21 Boy’s soccer contest
18 Youth soccer games
50 Youth soccer practices
60 Physical educations classes
25 Boy’s lacrosse contests
86 Athletic practices
21 Girls soccer games
25 Girls lacrosse games
Football Coach Bud Rowley said it best ? ‘It’s a simple decision. With turf, we can give more kids more opportunities. What on Earth could be wrong with that??
We believe the Turf Bond Proposal deserves support and encourage your YES vote.