With the exception of the four student reps and those involved in the educational presentations, few students attend the monthly Rose Tree Media school board meetings.

When an entire team makes an appearance, it has an impact.

Still wearing their uniforms from an earlier game, the members of the varsity lacrosse team appeared before the directors to support converting the grass on the Penncrest High School field to synthetic turf. After listening to their plea and those of a number of residents, the board voted 7-2 to approve turf installation, track replacement and site drainage improvements.

The estimated cost of the project is $1.57 million, including $400,000 for track installation and the same amount for items related to both projects, such as drainage improvements and a retention basin.

“We have been practicing in gyms and parking lots for the last three weeks and when we are on the field, we have been scooping mud instead of the ball,” said coach Wayne Matsinger. “We are behind because we do not have turf.”

The switch to the synthetic surface was prompted by the need to replace the track. The 15-year-old loop, which has undergone multiple repairs, will not pass future PIAA certification, said Superintendent Jim Wigo. The upheaval involved in replacing the track and field areas, which will include dredging the field and using it as an equipment staging site, prompted the district to consider repairing it.

The field has serious drainage issues and is developing sink holes, persuading the board to investigate the possibility of replacing the grass with synthetic turf. The former can support 40 events per year, four fewer than the current usage, and the anticipated cost of ownership for a 10-year period would be $595,000, or $1,487 per event, according to figures quoted during a presentation in early March.

By contrast, synthetic turf will support 400 events per year. While the cost of installation will be $770,000, 10-year maintenance will be only $50,000, or a cost of ownership of $205 per event, as quoted in the PowerPoint.

“Our main objective is to have a tract that is certifiable and end up with a field that would support 400, rather than 40, events a year,” said Wigo. “This would allow interested groups to use the field and generate income for the district.”

Although some residents opposed the installation based on cost, need, field rental and safety, those who spoke at the meeting favored the synthetic surface.

“The lacrosse team had to reschedule games and play its first home game at Neumann University,” said township resident Sheila Roberts. “We need the best facilities for our students and community.”

The board’s action was temporarily halted when Tracy Barusevicius moved to table the item for 30 days or until the board could have reviewed the project with respect to the potential revenue that could have been used to offset the initial cost. Her motion was defeated and she and Bill Tyson then cast the dissenting votes for the installation.

The approval was contingent upon receipt of the state Department of Environmental Protection permit and grading and storm water management plan approval from the township. The project is expected to start May 15 and be completed Aug. 15.

 

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