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Eastchester Schools Enjoy New Track, Middle School Addition

EASTCHESTER, N.Y. – Just in time for the conclusion of the fall sports season, the Eastchester School District unveiled its new synthetic field and renovated track after it was forced to close for more than a year.

Eastchester Middle School students cutting the ribbon to enter the new addition.

Eastchester Middle School students cutting the ribbon to enter the new addition.

Photo Credit: Contributed
The Eastchester varsity soccer team was among the first to test out the new turf field.

The Eastchester varsity soccer team was among the first to test out the new turf field.

Photo Credit: Contributed
Entertainment at the event was provided by the Eastchester Middle and High School bands.

Entertainment at the event was provided by the Eastchester Middle and High School bands.

Photo Credit: Contributed
The synthetic turf field at the Eastchester High School no longer poses a danger threat.

The synthetic turf field at the Eastchester High School no longer poses a danger threat.

Photo Credit: Contributed
The Eastchester Middle School band played for parents, town and school officials on Tuesday.

The Eastchester Middle School band played for parents, town and school officials on Tuesday.

Photo Credit: Contributed

Earlier this week, district officials welcomed parents and students to the high school to show off the renovated field and the new cafeteria and all-purpose room that has been installed in the middle school.

On Tuesday, Oct. 28, town officials joined students, staff, administrators and parents in the new cafeteria for a reception in the new cafeteria featuring music from the Middle and High School bands, led by teachers Don Olsen and Mark Dodge.

Last year, it was determined the district would need to replace the field when, during an inspection, it was discovered that the connecting seams that run along the width of the field in five-yard intervals were beginning to lift, posing a safety hazard for students, student-athletes and the community.

The district determined that the best course of action would be a near $2 million bond to replace the turf field in its entirety, which more than 70 percent of voters approving the bond. In addition to the field, funds were also allotted to fund some masonry repointing and the installation of a perimeter fence and security cameras.

According to the district, the field is used daily by 800 middle and high school for physical education classes and at recess. After school, modified, JV and varsity sports teams make use of it for practice and games. On weekends, more than 2,000 participants in town leagues, and camps are also generating wear and tear on the field.

The turf field, which was installed in 2002, was used by district sports team, physical education classes and members of the community who get exercise during the day. Similar fields typically last between eight and 10 years.

The field, track, cameras and fencing comprised of $1.05 million of the bond, with the repointing work comprising of the additional $850,000. According to school officials, the districted opted for a turf field over natural grass due to the field’s constant usage and because the foundation was already in place for the synthetic surface.

 

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