Turf or no Turf , that is the question?

NORTHWESTERN LEHIGH BOARD MEETING

TURF IS VOTED YES, NOW MAYBE NOT

The Northwestern Lehigh Board meeting of March 27, 2018 and the following workshop meeting of April 4, consisted of 8 hours of discussion on artificial turf, the possibility of annual increased taxes for the future and many other items. I have to give the board credit for their endurance for these lengthy meetings.

At the March board meeting the vote was a reluctant yes, with reservations, on approving artificial turf for the football field. The vote was no sooner taken and new controversy began on the merits of this turf.

Mr Dellicker has had concerns about the using of the remains of 30,000 recycled and ground up tires for the base. While there has not been evidence of health issues to this point, there have not been any independent studies completed, nor has the EPA finished its study of this issue. Some students who played on this Turf reported fine black dust on their shoes and uniforms. If inhaled, the consequences are not known.

Others voiced concerns about the possible increase in injuries that do incur using artificial turf. This is caused by the increased traction with turf that can result in serious injuries to knee ligaments and ankles that can have life-long consequences.

It was also revealed after the vote, that this company Field Turf is the subject of a class-action suit concerning their misrepresenting the life of the Turf. There are over 30 members at this time in this suit. If this suit should expand and be lost the viability of warranties would be in doubt.

The turf is guaranteed to last 8 years. It is claimed to last up to 15 years. After this time it will need to be replaced. If in that time the recycled tires should become an issue the resulting costs of removal and disposal would be an unforeseen and inestimable cost.

On a hot day this Turf is reported by the manufacturer of possibly being 45 degrees higher than the air temperature. On a 90 degree day this would be 135 degrees.

There was no answer as to the annual cost of maintenance for this turf or any additional equipment needed.

Artificial turf is not a one time cost, but an ongoing cost of replacement and maintenance. Estimating these cost into the future is not possible. And the thought of going back to grass, and removal of the products could be prohibitive.

At present there are 3 schools in the colonial league that have artificial turf.

How will parents react when the orthopedic surgeon labels these injuries, Turf injuries. Is envy and nice appearance worth life-long handicaps for young athletes? Many of the professional teams have gone back to grass in the hope of lengthening the careers of the athletes.

It seems some of the board is under pressure due to their election campaign promises of bringing a more professional playing surface for the field. It seems the Administration is all in for the Turf. It is well known that Field Turf  Co. spends much time and money in lobbying Athletic directors and maintenance people in persuading them to choose their turf for their fields. This can be enhanced by wining and dining meetings at area restaurants. While this in itself is inappropriate, hopefully there are not any other incentives offered.

The administration is recommending reverting back to the practice of maximum allowable tax increases every year for the foreseeable future. This district has held the line on taxes for 7 years. It is a record they can be proud of. It also shows that with fiscal restraint, it is possible to live within their means. The pressure for increased spending, particularly on things that do not add to educational outcome, is escalating. Increased spending, increased debt, and inevitably increasing taxes.