Two turf plans move forward in District 87

The Glenbard High School District 87 board has come to resolutions on artificial turf for two of its four schools, both of which hinge on the community funding parts of the project.

Earlier this week, the board approved an agreement with Gain Ground, a citizens group, and PEP, Partnership for Educational Progress, at Glenbard West High School.

The $1.6 million project will be divided into three: the district figures on saving about $373,000 from maintenance and transportation of athletes to other fields; sponsors will put in $540,000; and Gain Ground would have to raise the remaining $695,000.

Chris McClain, the assistant superintendent for business services, said the Glenbard West situation is a little different from the other schools because Memorial Field is only nine acres, compared to the 20 or so acres the other schools have to work with.

Earlier in the year, the board also signed a similar agreement for Glenbard North's fields. In that case, Carol Stream Park District is funding 50 percent of the cost, the Boosters about 17 percent and the district makes up the remainder.

McClain said that will be the case for the other two schools as well, if community groups come forward requesting turf on those fields.

The district initially sought an agreement with Glen Ellyn Park District, similar to the one put together with Carol Stream Park District for Glenbard North. However, that never materialized.

McClain said the park district is still welcome to provide funding, but Gain Ground will be responsible for an appeal to the community by June of 2011.

McClain said the board also was given information on the safety aspects of synthetic turf fields, which is an issue that has been raised by many opposed to the concept. He said the board agreed the safety issues were well balanced with benefits the turf would provide.