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TURF THE VALLEY!

What is The Valley?

The students in general and the athletes in particular refer to the sunken Montville HS stadium field as “Death Valley” to their opponents. In 1998, a committee dubbed “Light the Valley” raised funds in order to install lighting for night games.

Why put artificial turf down?

Artificial turf, in its most modern form, presents a cheaper, easier way of maintaining a high school field and providing optimum use of the facilities.

How is it cost effective?

Artificial turf requires no cutting, no watering, no seeding, aerating, or other chores associated with the manicure of natural grass. Lining the field for game use is minimal, as opposed to the required daily lining of a grass field.

Additionally, there have been occasions in the past few school years that the athletic department has had to “rent” other districts fields due to the unsafe conditions at Montville. They have also had to contract bussing on numerous occasions and paid to transport our own students to other turf fields in town.

Don’t we have turf fields in town?

Yes, the township owns two sets of turf fields at remote sites, but the Board of Education does not enjoy easy access to them. Additionally, as these are “recreation” fields, they do not meet the criteria set forth by the New Jersey governing sports body to host varsity level sporting events.

Doesn’t Artificial Turf cause more injuries?

No! In its earliest form, artificial turf did present risks that weren’t associated with grass playing fields. However, the newest generation of field turf actually shows a reduction in injuries suffered by student athletes.
Additionally, the hazard of raised sprinkler heads that have plagued the current stadium field will be eliminated thereby removing the risk of a student falling and possibly striking and injuring an elbow or knee.

Who will make use of the turf? Will it be used by one predominate group?

Turf installed in the high school stadium will be used by many different groups. Teams and activities that were once forced to find alternative playing fields will be able to use the stadium field, thanks to the turf’s increased resistance to wear and tear. Instead of restricting use whenever new seed is put down or maintenance is performed, the field will be available to use, rain or shine.

Will the field be lined for use of different sports?

Artificial turf fields carry “permanent” and “temporary” lines. Traditionally, a field is lined for two to three major sports and temporary lines are added in season for others.

What about non-athletic use? Is this only for sports teams?

Turfing the field presents obvious advantages during 8th grade promotion ceremonies and 12th grade graduation ceremonies. Homecoming ceremonies will no longer be hampered by muddy conditions. The marching band will be able to practice and hold competitions on a clean, dry field. Traditional 4th of July ceremonies will not cause field disrepair and be more comfortable for spectators watching the fireworks. Additionally, the physical education classes at the HS will be able to use the field for daily classes.

Are we “cutting edge” in trying to do this?

No! In fact, we are in what has become the minority among the local high schools by still using and maintaining a natural grass field. Local districts like Livingston, Madison, Mendham, DePaul, Morris Catholic, are just a few of the districts who have recognized the advantages of artificial turf.

Why are we privately funding this, instead of using funding from the Board of Education?

A separate question was posed to the voters of Montville in 2005 and was defeated. Additionally, the general budget for the Board of Education was defeated in 2007. A committee of concerned Montville citizens has taken it upon themselves to start a fund raising campaign similar to what other districts have done to raise this money.

How much do we need and how are we going to do it?

Taking into account the cost of inflation and a time frame of 18-36 months, it has been estimated that we will need approximately $900,000 to achieve our goal. Our plan is to ask 1000 families to donate $300 each. We will approach 300 businesses and ask them to donate $1000 each. That will get us two-thirds of the way there. Additional funds will be raised through conventional, but creative fund raisers. And remember, all donations are 100% tax deductible.