Grant Application for New Turf Field Postponed to Next Year

Athletic Director Phil Sheridan informed School Committee members on Tuesday night that efforts to secure a grant for a new artificial turf field at would have to wait until next year.

Based on a memo written by schools grant writer Ed Feinman on behalf of the turf committee, Sheridan recommended preparing a grant application for the next round of PARC (Parkland Acquisition and Renovations for Communities) funding. With the July 1 deadline only a few weeks away, Sheridan said, it would not be possible to meet some of the requirements needed to obtain a grant.

Sheridan said there would then be plenty of time to work out the logistics and get more information on what needs to be done moving forward.

In Feinman’s memo, he (Feinman) stated extensive background information needed to be done before preparing the grant application, including updating the city’s Open Space Plan, developing a financial plan for the project, clarifying title issues around land the project would impact and gaining City Council approval for the project and grant application.

School Committee member Jarrod Hochman was less than pleased when Sheridan explained that the city would have to take control over the field as required by the state grant. Hochman said government officials created a “convoluted” process for applying to improve school facilities.

Sheridan said when he spoke with other districts that also had to turn their fields over to their respective city authorities, they commented it was no big deal, just signing a piece of paper. He added, however, he thought they were downplaying the ordeal. Sheridan still felt the process would be a bit more involved.

“I don’t think it is a big [deal]. Get over the hangups and work together for the benefit of everyone,” Mayor Michael Bonfanti said.

Back in the winter, the turf committee brought the proposal of building a turf field at PVMHS before the School Committee on the grounds that the conditions of the current fields are dangerous for the athletes and put them at risk of injury. Due to existing drainage issues, the new field could cost upwards of $1 million, but the grant monies could hopefully foot at least half of the total costs.