It is not possible to adequately improve or maintain natural grass fields to meet the demand Minnechaug has for field space. Natural grass needs continual repair and replacement to keep the surface playable as well as “down time” to allow repairs to take hold. Bad weather, be it rain, snow or excessive heat, damages the surface requiring extra maintenance. High impact play, particularly on a field that is subject to bad weather, causes even more damage.
Our high school sports teams have severely limited access to our existing natural grass field and youth teams are denied any access at all in order to protect the field.
Additionally, both during and after rain or snow, this field is often closed. Many teams are bused to neighboring schools, at a significant cost to the Athletic Department, to hold games or practices on artificial turf. Improving the current natural grass field will not change this situation. Artificial turf is the only solution that provides adequate access for the number of teams and athletes we have both at the high school and in the community.