JHS New Football Field/Stadium Enhancements Proposal Jasper School Board

Objective 1 Gain approval to conduct fundraising for a new artificial turf field - Supported by community donations - Work with Mr. Noblitt and Coach Ahrens to negotiate field naming rights to the business(s) or individual(s), who will fund the field - Final approval of funding and naming rights approved by the school board.

Objective 2 Request the board to consider a 3-5 year plan to improve the football stadium Current stadium is approaching 50 years old No formal entrances Inadequate, outdated restroom facilities ADA accommodations The stadium and field are not on par with other athletic facilities (Ruxer Field, Pool, Basketball Fieldhouse, Tennis facilities) Hundreds of our students/faculty are involved in our football/band/track programs, along with thousands of fans.

Overview of Proposed Site Plan

Southwest Entrance

Northwest Entrance

Field/Stadium Project Cost Estimates Field (Phase I ) Initial cost of a artificial turf field - $7-800k (New grass field $300k+) Expected life of a artificial turf field years Current cost to maintain our grass field/year - $30k+ (est.) Cost to maintain a new artificial turf field/year - $5k Stadium/locker room/concessions/entry ways/pavilion (Future Phases 2015 and beyond) – $3-3.5 million

Who is using artificial turf? High schools - Harrison, Evansville North, Center Grove, Indianapolis schools, Southridge, many others Colleges – IU, Ohio State, Cincinnati, Notre Dame, Lucas Oil Field, other Division 1 stats: SURFACE#% Artificial 82 65% Grass4435%

Colleges w/Natural Grass (Inclement Weather States) 65% of NFL teams have artificial game or practice fields. Big East42% Big Ten33% Big 1230% Sun Belt10% C-USA8% MWC0% MAC0%

Why Artificial Turf Field vs. Grass? Player Safety Many studies indicate a reduction in injuries (particularly ankle and knee) Softer surface than natural grass field, potentially reducing concussions Inclement weather impact (ruts, dirt-grass, end-of-year condition of field) Reduced maintenance costs Eliminates the use of chemicals (pesticides, fungicides, fertilizers) Eliminates fuel‐powered mowing, aerating, and re‐seeding, thereby lowering the use of natural gas and other fossil fuels Save approx. 1 million gallons of water per year Utilization revenue and playability can increase for football, band, track, and other special events Environmental Removes tires and rubber shoe soles from landfill sites Artificial field is 100% recyclable

Southridge Feedback Cost of field - $600k Maintenance cost – very little; groom clean the field once a month and comb fibers and level (tire) pellets. Funding - through school funding. Utilization – improved utilization 300% the first year; band is using the field as much as the football team; baseball and softball in the spring. Injuries – not really a reduction, but not increasing; players love the turf.

Evansville Harrison Feedback Cost of field - $800k – Sprint Turf Maintenance cost - 3 yrs old, very little cost. Funding – (private and EVSC foundation) track, suites, walkways, pressbox named after contributors. Utilization – don’t charge for use of the stadium, but AD believes they should. Injuries – too early to tell; traction very good even in a driving rainstorm.

Summary Benefits of artificial turf Reduced maintenance ($25k+/year) Improved safety Recyclable solution Replacement cost 30% less than initial install Community funded Improved, increased utilization of the field (football, band, soccer, track, etc.) Stadium – will help lead fundraising, but requesting that the board take responsibility for the stadium, locker room, and concessions.

References Brett Hein, SB Nation ( “Is Natural Grass Dying in College Football”, Jul 2, 2012www.vanquishthefoe.com Mike Kaszuba, “School Sports Turf is Artificial, but Cost Concerns are Real”, Oct 20, 2012, Star Tribune Dr. David R. Schuler, “Synthetic Turf Feasibility Study”, Jan 6, 2011, High School outside of Chicago FieldTurf.com, “Center Grove Field Install, First Artificial Turf HS Field in Indiana ”