School district, city work together on artificial turf field and stormwater project in Elmhurst

Posted December 19, 2021 10:00 pm

Submitted by Elmhurst Unit District 205

York High School girls lacrosse athlete Quinn Olson addresses the group during the ribbon cutting, noting that her team was looking forward to consistent, safe practices on the new field. Courtesy of Elmhurst Unit District 205

Elmhurst Unit District 205 and City of Elmhurst officials held a ribbon cutting on Thursday, Dec. 16, celebrating the installation of a stormwater detention basin and an artificial turf field at York High School.

The project is the culmination of an intergovernmental agreement between District 205 and the city.

"Almost three years ago we made it a priority to work together to make this a reality," said District 205 Board of Education President Kara Caforio. "The signing of the intergovernmental agreement in 2019 represented the best of what Elmhurst is: Working together to wisely steward our resources in order to solve problems for our entire community."

The stormwater vaults under the field built by the city address longtime flooding issues in the community and the full size soccer/lacrosse field offers additional usable space for students and community members.

York students and athletes Quinn Olson and Jose Herrea spoke about the benefits of the new field, including fewer potential injuries, more practice time, and a level surface.

The artificial turf field can be used throughout the day for PE and after school for athletic practices and competitions.

It also will provide another athletic space for community members to play and/or compete on weekends.

"I am so grateful for each and every person who helped make this a reality and am thrilled for our students and community to have this amazing space completed," Caforio said.

Elmhurst Unit District 205 board president Kara Caforio talks about the collaboration between the city and the school district that made the joint project a reality. Courtesy of Elmhurst Unit District 205

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