I fully support building a much-needed track and improving the field, but will vote against the current version of the project. I hope that we get to soon vote again after a modification. Several factors went into my decision. I’ve researched the short and long term costs, health and safety concerns and other issues. I’ve met with some of the track and turf project members, and a member of the high school renovation advisory committee.

The first issues are the initial and long terms costs of synthetic turf.

Initial Costs: Though companies like Field Turf like to promote the costs of synthetic turf on a “per hour of use” basis, that method is simply a way to hide the true costs of a synthetic turf field. Installing natural grass instead of synthetic turf could save an initial cost of between $350,000 to $500,000, maybe more.

Maintenance Costs: The true maintenance costs of synthetic turf are also understated by turf manufacturers. In the past, synthetic turf fields were not maintained properly because they were thought to be “build and forget”, or simply not maintained because maintenance budgets were cut. Lack of maintenance results in player injuries such as concussions and torn ACLs. Nike Grind rubber will be excellent for the running track around the infield, but it is expensive when used as synthetic field infill. The health concerns from Crumb Rubber infill, and subsequent migration way from Crumb Rubber by many schools, increases the demand on Nike Grind infill. Increase in demand, increases the costs of Nike Grind now and in the future. The annual maintenance cost to replace the infill are unknown, but ongoing maintenance such as infill grooming, infill replacement, and GMAX testing is needed to ensure the safety of the players. Synthetic turf manufacturers like to point out the environmental issues of using fertilizer and mowing natural grass fields. While fertilizer can be a concern, it is less of a concern on fields in Maine if a mulching mower is used to naturally fertilize the soil with the nitrogen from the grass clippings. Due to the rain and moist climate in Maine, lime may still be needed to keep natural grass healthy. Natural grass fields also need to be maintained, but the potential for injury is lower, and the ongoing costs and repair costs are lower. Synthetic turf certainly can handle more games per week than a natural grass field. However, properly designing and maintaining a natural grass fields can help increase the number of times a natural grass field can be used before the grass needs to “rest.”

Replacement Costs: The replacement cost of synthetic turf at the end of ten years will be at least $600,000. If we approve the current track and field bond, we also need to start a capital improvement account and fund the account with $60,000 per year to prepare to replace the synthetic field in ten years. Installing a material that requires the disposal of 40,000 pounds of old synthetic turf (usually polypropylene) and 400,000 pounds of rubber infill is environmentally irresponsible. Natural grass fields need to be maintained, but replacement every 10 or even 20 years is unnecessary.

Health and Safety: Health issues related to synthetic turf are a concern. Reports of cancer caused by Crumb Rubber infill, which is styrene-butadiene rubber, led to the change to Nike Grind. The makeup of Nike Grind is unavailable, but according to limited chemical analysis, the composition appears to be similar to styrene-butadiene rubber. It’s really unknown if Nike Grind a healthier choice than Crumb Rubber. What is known, is that alternative infill costs a lot more than Crumb Rubber, and both cost more than natural grass. Cancer is not the only health concern with synthetic fields. Concussions, torn ACLs, turf burns and skin infections are also common. Frequent GMAX testing of the synthetic turf field can help reduce the turf field’s impact on concussions. Turf burns, and possible infections, will always be an issue on synthetic turf. Mainly due to player concerns over injuries, the Baltimore Raven Pro Football team recently ripped up their synthetic turf field and replaced it with natural grass.

Temperature: The higher temperatures associated with synthetic turf contributes to player fatigue, possibly resulting in more player injuries. Sprinklers are often installed on synthetic turf fields to reduce the field temperature. When a natural grass field is not being used as much for sports in the summer, it’s nice to relax on nice, cool, green grass. Laying back on a warm synthetic field just wouldn’t be as nice at all.

Damage: Each year, we view some fantastic fireworks from the High School athletic field. In addition to the fireworks, many people bring traditional sparklers (and sometimes other fireworks) that could easily burn and damage a synthetic field. Sparklers burn at 2000 degrees, and can easily melt and damage synthetic turf. The costs to repair a damaged synthetic field, whether by fireworks or a vehicle, can be significantly higher than the costs to repair a natural grass field.

The $1,000,000 from the high school renovation coming in under budget, if it is going to be spent, may be best spent on yet-unknown renovation costs or improving the theater, music or language programs, or adding local shop classes. According to one of the high school renovation advisory committee members, if the bond for the track and field is not approved by the voters, there are plans to use some of the $1,000,000 to purchase new furniture for some of the classrooms. It is not really “extra” money, but is a contingency fund that may be tapped for other school renovation requirements.

Instead of the current track and field proposal, I recommend we Immediately consult sports field design engineers and determine the installation cost savings associated with changing from synthetic turf to natural grass. Ensure an adequate layer of topsoil to promote healthy grass. Ensure a specific layer of sand/mix to help drainage, but also help maintain healthy grass and minimize the need for watering. Determine the cost of the Nike Grind track with a natural grass infield. Return the proposal to the voters as soon as possible (by the end of January) for a vote. I believe that the voters will approve a proposal that includes short and long term cost savings, and the health and safety benefits of the natural grass infield and Nike Grind track.

Bill Schmidt lives in Freeport