<p>The subject of natural grass versus synthetic turf is complicated and there are wide-ranging and strong opinions on both sides.</p>
The subject of natural grass versus synthetic turf at the MVRHS athletic complex is complicated and there are wide-ranging and strong opinions on both sides.
MV@PLAY sifted through much of the available information and only relied on the science from independent, published, peer-reviewed studies. These studies are from universities and governmental agencies. All studies from synthetic turf and natural grass industries were disqualified, as were opinion papers that were not data based but instead are masquerading as science.
When MV@PLAY started the process, we looked at all options. Natural grass was the first option we considered and that is why we have chosen natural grass for 65 per cent of the athletic campus fields. We had meetings with Jeff Carlson who is a natural grass expert and has written the book on organic turf management through his work at Vineyard Golf Club. We showed him the use that each field would be asked to handle. He was clear the only way to handle this amount of use would be with a combination of synthetic turf and natural grass fields.
There have been letters to the editor that were passionate, but unfortunately were also somewhat misleading, inaccurate or misrepresented our proposal for phase one reconstruction of the existing track and field.
Comments regarding the use of antimicrobials, static conditioners, solvents, fungicides and RoundUp are an incorrect representation of what actually is used on thousands of outdoor synthetic turf fields. Most facilities do not use any of these products at all, and when they are used it is typicallyassociated with indoor facilities.
There are many examples of facilities using both natural grass and synthetic turf fields that are required to test monitoring wells placed around both surfaces. These water quality results without question favor synthetic turf fields as having significantly lower environmental impact. Grass field monitoring wells show elevated nitrogen and phosphorous levels and a much higher percentage of run off. Synthetic fields show no elevated levels of fertilizers or turf compounds. Turf fields are designed to directly discharge storm water into the ground without runoff.
I would like to ask those who may have concerns about the use of artificial turf to take a couple of hours and do your own research. It doesn’t matter which side you favor; I simply urge you to read the independent scientific data that is available and make an informed decision. No one should rely on letters to the editor as facts. Do your own research and check the facts from both sides of the argument.
Finally, MV@PLAY was created as a 501c3 nonprofit (we are currently waiting to receive approval from the IRS and have informed donors of this) for one reason: to provide Island players of all ages with reliable, cost-effective, and safe mix of playing surfaces that they need and deserve. Our master plan, which we created in close consultation with school officials and designed around their requirements, shows two natural grass multi-sport fields envisioned for our younger players. In addition, the plan includes two baseball and two softball fields that will be natural grass. Again, this is a 41-acre complex that will have 65 per cent natural grass fields to go with the synthetic multi-sport fields. This mix of synthetic turf with organic infill and natural grass fields has been the result of consultation with athletic and school officials, experts in natural grass maintenance, sports facility experts, studying scientific, peer-reviewed research, community input and frankly, common sense.
Robert Smith
West Tisbury
Comments
While I appreciate that we
Susan Desmarais Oak BluffsWhile I appreciate that we have differing opinions on this project I take issue with the projection of an exhaustive research process. MV@Play was formed in November 2015, it appears they are taking the words of Gale Associates, who stand to profit significantly from the project, as hard science. One cannot make a claim that Gale is unbiased. They have a horse in this race! Furthermore I spoke with the Attorney General's office, division of non-profits and charities, on Monday, June 6th. They are responsible for safeguarding state residents from fraud. As of that date they had no record of MV@Play. And it's wrong that MV@Play has represented themselves as a 501C3 since November 2015. To me this speaks to the issues of trust. How can I trust an organization to do what's best for the island community if they misrepresent their legal status from their inception?
Spike, as much as the
Rebekah Thomson West TisburySpike, as much as the community would like to believe that MV@Play and the MVRHS committee have done their due diligence and deserve the community's trust on all health, environmental and financial concerns, reality paints a different picture. Things got off on the wrong foot on April 4, when MVRHS committee first heard the proposal and, that same night, made a motion to authorize MV@Play to go out to bid for phase one, pending finalization of the licensing agreement. On April 27, in their presentation at the PAC, MV@Play told us how safe crumb rubber was. By May 2, the proposal was changed to an unspecified plant-based infill containing silica, a known carcinogen. The public forum on May 16 concluded with a (not so) surprise vote to approve phase one despite no licensing agreement, no realistic projected costs, and no specifics on the infill or plastic carpet or chemicals used to maintain them. Next we learn that the MA Attorney General’s office has no record of any filing by MV@Play for 501c3 status, despite their publicly representing themselves as one since November 2015. Tisbury BOS on Tuesday heard MV@Play admit that they intend to circumvent permitting in Oak Bluffs (and thereby referral to the MVC) by holding off on the bleachers, lighting, and shed construction. That MV@Play (and the MVRHS by extension) is attempting to implement phase one of the “most ambitious athletic complex Gale Associates has ever designed” without any permits just doesn’t sit right. If everything is kosher, why push this project through at warp speed, avoiding due diligence and proper review? Is this how we operate our school system? Ignore widespread public concern? Deliberately circumvent the permitting/review process for a massive project while everyone else needs a permit to cut down a branch? If supporters of this project would like the rest of us to get behind it, let’s try slowing it down and doing this right.
It's clear there is a large
Reid Silva West TisburyIt's clear there is a large public contingent that's still frustrated with the process and review of this issue. The turf proposal should be more thoroughly reviewed on a regional basis, namely through the towns, the MV Commission and more. It's not an isolated issue at this point. Obviously no one is trying to obstruct the school committee's judgement. This has just risen to a level that requires more review.
If a project that Vineyard
Huh??If a project that Vineyard Land Surveying was involved with was being incorrectly driven to the MVC, Mr. Silva would be the first one to scream foul. Give me a break! Nothing has risen to a level that requires more review other than the hysterical response of those who couldn't sway the School Committee or Tisbury Selectmen.
Dear Robert,
Dave Miller West TisburyDear Robert,
Regarding the MV@Play project.
Can you supply me with a straight YES or NO answer to the following questions?
Do you, rather than I, know what is best for my child?
Was MV@Play, at the time of the HSC vote, a legally registered non-profit?
Is MV@Play, at this time, a legally registered non-profit?
Can you provide the documentation, from the MIAA, condemning the track?
Did the MIAA, in fact state to the HS administration, that the track "would not meet host site conditions" for tournaments?
Do athletes play in 'ALL' weather conditions?
Is travel, on and off the island, possible in 'ALL' weather conditions?
Have the current fields been properly maintained?
Will the new fields be properly maintained?
If the chain link fence is a safety violation, should it have been removed already?
Did you consult with experts in Football, Soccer, Field Hockey and Lacrosse fields (the sports that will use these fields?
If, I presume, HS school field sports are played, in as season, 50% home and 50% away. Is it a disadvantage that we play on a different surface to our opposition?
Do you think it is okay for some HS coaches and students to mock other members of the community who don't agree with them?
Do you think community members who don't agree with you, on this issue, should not fight this?
Do you think that because 'elected' officials (like the HSC and President Obama) vote yes on issues, that we don't agree with, we should accept them?
Are you saying that there are no excavation or landscaping companies on this island, with the skill and experience, capable of installing a new field without damaging the surrounding track?
17. Are any community businesses going to be involved in the construction of this project?
These are just a few questions I have on the subject. They require only a YES or NO answer. If you can answer so I would appreciate it.
Thank you!
Dave Miller
Hopefully I will see you at Monday's play off game at Dartmouth and at the MTOC with our girls raising the U18 Girls champion's trophy!
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