Published Tuesday, January 21, 2003
at $4.1 million
Herald Staff Writer
With plans for a $4.1 million recreation complex before them, Wilmington Area School Board members have to decide soon whether to go with it or scale back the project.
The board agreed Monday to set aside time at 7:30 p.m. next Monday to hash out the issue.
Board President Richard Houlette said he's having a hard time justifying spending that kind of money in a district that has lots of senior citizens and Amish families.
"This is a very poor school district," he said.
W.G. Eckles Co. of New Castle initially proposed a new field for use by football and soccer teams, three new practice fields, grading the baseball field and building a fitness center.
The board has already agreed to table consideration of the fitness center, with an estimated price tag of $571,000, for at least two months while it discusses the other components, said Superintendent Dr. C. Joyce Nicksick.
Eckles proposed a sod main field, but officials also have considered an artificial surface field, which would jack the price up another $598,000.
Houlette noted that generally only districts that are much better off financially -- such as Penn Hills and Chardon, Ohio -- have gone with artificial turf fields.
District residents Glenda Fulkman and Brenda Hostetler told the board Monday they favor a single field made of artificial turf, which they said would be cheaper to maintain. Ms. Fulkman noted that the field could be used by a variety of sport teams, and for other school activities such as band and gym class.
"It would be a wonderful addition to our school, a wonderful addition to our community, and a source of pride," she said, encouraging the board to seek grants so local taxpayers don't absorb the whole cost.
Ms. Hostetler said the practice fields the district has now are adequate, while acknowledging that the baseball field is "in dire need of improvements."
She said plans to build a new concession stand and rest rooms at the field are "way out of line."
"I would really hate to have your job -- it is a lot of money -- but I feel there are a lot of cuts that can be made," Ms. Hostetler said.
Houlette said the problem with an artificial surface field is it is not as invincible as people tend to believe it is. It will be affected by sun and fire, and gasoline can damage it, which would mean access to it by anyone other than sports teams would have to be limited. Warranties tend to run only eight to 10 years, he said.
Ms. Nicksick said the track is in poor condition and the press box also needs an overhaul, but her main concern is the bleachers.
The board accepted bids for new bleachers earlier Monday, ranging from $350,000 to $470,000, but board solicitor Charles Mansell warned that to award the contracts would commit the district to moving the football field.
Ms. Nicksick said the board will have to sit down and decide what kind of project it wants.
"It's a huge project," she said. "I think next Monday we'll roll up our sleeves and see what our next step will be."