I wish I could have been at the meeting to ask this question, but family committments prevented it. Just wondering if the issue with increased incidence of injuries, specifically ACL tears and ankle sprains, that have been attributed to artificial turf was addressed last night? There are a number of studies that support this, and I'm concerned about the safety of the athletes playing. Also, what material is going to be used under the turf? With all the talk of concussions today, there is also a major concern about turf fields unless they have some specific type of padding underneath. Finally, what teams will be using the field? Will it just be for football or will soccer, field hockey and lacrosse have use as well?

It is a rubber "grass" made from recycled tires. I have played on it and it is very soft when you fall on it. It's not like the old turf which was basically a carpet over concrete . All sports will be using it. I would bet on a strong fundraising effort from the football team

Most NFL players prefer real grass, and feel artificial causes more injuries. http://images.nflplayers.com/mediaResources/files/Surface%20Survey%202010.pdf There have also been studies done on environmental impact and the rise in temperature on these surfaces. I too was unable to make the meeting do to family circumstances. I am disappointed in this vote.

1. It must be cleaned and vacuumed otherwise it will turn into a rock, how will this be done?

2. It must be "tightened" and adjusted on a regular basis, how will this be done?

3. It does wear out. In 7-10 years it may take 1 million to replace it, has any thought been given as to what happens down the road?

4. There is ZERO question that artificial turf causes more injuries than grass, are we really sure we want to do this?

5. Has this issue been researched by the proper authorities to take a complete look at the pros and cons of this issue?
http://suite101.com/article/injuries-on-artificial-turf-versus-natural-grass-a70734

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/05/01/us-football-idUSBRE84002Q20120501

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/03/12/study-finds-acl-injuries-more-common-on-fieldturf/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Artificial_turf

Who Me - Don't forget the $130,000 disposal fee because of the toxic content in the field turf! It can't be rolled up and tossed in a land fill. And since when is federal, state and local money not taxpayer money?

One of the line items covered in the meeting is:
Adding a parcel of land at Livingston and Main streets to the Community Village Overlay District to allow overnight lodging.
What parcel of land are they referring to? What sort of lodging will take place - private residence, hotel, hostel, homeless shelter?

Patrick, may I ask you to back up your assertion please. Grass causes more injuries to ACLs than turf. Are you giving your opinion?

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/03/12/study-finds-acl-injuries-more-common-on-fieldturf/

Was there not a time when all articles sponsored in the warrant were tied to who sponsored the article? More and more I see articles without names/groups tied to them, why is this? Excuse me for asking but if someone requests an article in the Town Meeting would it not be required to ID who/what has requested it?

The first link is a Turf Company, so I don't know about that one. The second link seems to support grass does it not?

In addition to all of the above comments, I attended last night's meeting and I was not surprised, but extremely disappointed at the turnout of the town's people that attended. Again this is caused by a lack of communication that there even was going to be a meeting. After the question on the tennis courts and the football field was decided, the majority of the hall got up and left. This definitely proved what all of these attendees came to the meeting to vote on. They came with an agenda, and left after their agenda was accomplished. The other articles must have meant chicken feed to them. Once more I urge the Town of Tewksbury to mail out the Town Warrants so all of our residents are aware they are having a meeting, and also they can read the warrant before hand to analyze all of the articles. We spend a lot of money on silly things in this Town, so why not a small amount to mail out the Warrants. If I weren't a subscriber to the Patch, did not have a computer, did not have a newspaper delivered, I am left in the dark about these meetings, All taxpayers in this town should receive a Warrant so they can see how their tax money is proposed to be spent and when the meetings are being held to vote on the articles. I as one can never complain about the taxes going up because I voted at the meetings Also,what is up with the survey of $90,000 to approve a roof that needs replacing? Ridiculous!!

Didnt even know there was a meeting there needs to be better communication so more people go next time

Thanks to Bill Gillman for trying to bring to the people that weren't able, or didn't know about the meeting all the information he could humanly possible to do.

So even if the grant cover 400K... where the other 350K come from? And why do we NEED a tennis court?... You realize how kind of absurd that sounds yes?

Was it not article 16? The on-line warrant doesn't show a sponsor? I guess I'm wrong but I thought all articles regarding zoning had to be clearly sponsored by the person/group sponsoring the article?

It's really too bad that the wording of the article in question (#12) could not have been amended as suggested by two separate resident voters in attendance (thanks for trying!) without supposedly jeopardizing the grant. I think that at least having a definitive number on the grant amount putting a 'cap' on what voters were willing to make up in excess, or better still the striking out of some of the language in the article as another resident suggested assuring that ANY excess to be made up would come from PRIVATE fundraising would have made the skeptical (rightfully so) voters more comfortable. Though it was 'said' they heard voters loud and clear (re. the 2-1 ballot vote shooting down the proposal initially) I'm not so sure that's the case. Even though they say the expended balance amount once and if the grant was secured and rebates and donations applied would still need to come back to Town Mtg. for approval.....if last night was any indication the meeting could be stacked in their favor unless enough people came out to vote otherwise. Plus the only thing mentioned re. future maintenance was that the school dept. would have jurisdiction/be responsible for it but failed to address where THAT additional expenditure would come from. More fundraising? I doubt it. Just some food for thought from this taxpayer.

Mary I don't believe there is lighting planned, as abutters complained, and the stands/bleachers and other needs for around the field area (fencing, etc.) that would have been already budgeted for within the budget for the new school Regardless of the field being grass or turf, the surrounding items would be the same and are currently planned to be built around the grass field.

Mary,
I'm confused? You mention that you would like to see more people at town meeting, and that the taxpayers should be informed about any new articles that the town may vote on. I'm guessing that you feel that people have a right to vote on certain issues that pertain to them. Right? Well, I have certain issues that I'm concerned with too. If people attend the town meeting for a certain article that may effect them, I see no reason why it should bother you when they leave after their vote is counted? I for one, had to be at work by a certain time, and was fortunate to get my vote counted! I'm sorry I didn't stay for the other articles, but did stay and vote for what impacted my family the most. You say people"Have an agenda", I guess i do. Its My Family!

I am so glad the school department will take on the expense and future maintenance of turf fields. Our MCAS scores can drop further down but we will all be playing tennis, and have beautiful fields. Maybe we can recycle the turf fields into athletic braces and knee replacements?

D.James,
I would like to respond to your comment. When the tmhs tennis team is playing against another school, they are playing with only 3 courts. In between them are 2 basketball courts and a skateboard court. During their matches with other schools, the tennis team is subjected to other teens playing/ swearing and smoking within 6 feet of them in the other courts. When they are participating in a school sport, and maintaining good health by exercising their bodies, they should not have to be exposed to such conditions. Also, it takes them approx. 4 hours to finish their matches because their is only 3 courts. The JV tennis team cannot even play because it is often to late in the day. Let me tell you that many kids are disappointed because they are there wanting to play but there are not enough courts. Every other high school has at least 6 courts And No interferences from courts next to them. I just thought you might want to hear from a different view. Thanks.

To the other concerned parent,
I believe the mcas scores are still the same level(2), if I'm not mistaken. There is always a need to improve education in any school, and I hope you continue to monitor this, as i do. However, not sure if you believe that a student should also have an outlet, for example,to play a sport? The students work very hard in school, and the experts agree that playing a sport/ or participating in a group is essential for their well being. It sounds to me that you have concerns with injuries while the kids are playing a sport. Unforntunately, accidents do happen. Despite this, the athletes want to play their sport of choice.

I am not sure how having or not having artificial or real grass impacts the sports programs. Real grass is a more reasonable choice in my opinion. It is safer, cheaper, and more environmentally friendly. Artificial turf looks pretty but nobody has convinced me that it is better. The school committee should not be responsible for the cost in either choice when our schools are not making adequate academic gains and the elementary schools are in serious disrepair.

Mary,
I believe most people are effected by the economy. I understand most people in town are on a fixed income, and I can sympathize with that. Yes, I am middle age, but it is also difficult to make ends meet now a days! I pay into Soc.Sec. for the elderly so that they may recieve help, which should be the case. I also voted for the senior center because I feel people need an outlet in these difficult times! I also believe that kids need an outlet too! Times have changed for raising a family, and I try to take care of both the elderly, and the young kids! Its not easy! Just saying....

I am sorry I couldn't be there last night. I have no beef with the tennis courts. I think they are a needed addition. What I'm most concerned about is the cost of a turf field both now and (especially) going forward. I hope in 7 years or so we're not looking at a huge bill to replace the field!

to the negative Concerned Parent - whether grass or turf is better in your opinion is why we vote. The school building budget has accounted for building of a field, the people who use the field are advocating for the upgrade to turf. I am willing to bet they did substantial research regarding it's safety and maintenance and it's not just "their opinion".

Further, perhaps you feel the playgrounds built at the elementary schools are a waste too. How about music and art class?? Those must be a waste as well.

Do you require your child to bring you a progress report every Friday to make sure she/he is keeping up with their academics? These coaches do. I've been around student athletes for more years than i want to admit and I can attest to the sports programs requirement for passing academic grades is what graduates quite a few of these kids. Plus, the majority of the coaches are teachers themselves so they have a full understanding of the importance of all aspects involved.

The new high school is a shining example of putting education first. Adding the tennis courts and upgrading the field only add to the attraction of this PUBLIC school. Hopefully more students who opt for the tech, which costs more per pupil, will elect to stay at home at TMHS.

If you go to the bottom of the NFL player survey you will see comments that indicate that NFL players prefer artificial turf in cold climates and when used as multi-purpose fields with lots of activities.

So turf field is probably safer.

Granted, to keep turf fields in good shape they need to be maintained properly. But so do grass fields. And a grass field could not stand up to the amount of activity that is proposed on the turf field.

So turf field is probably cheaper.

Environmentally, I've seen a lot of information both ways. Given that turf fields do not need to use fertilizer, proper drainage when constructing the turf field would handle stormwater better than natural grass, and the tire crumbs can be recycled. I would lean towards turf from an environmental standpoint.

http://images.nflplayers.com/mediaResources/files/Surface%20Survey%202010.pdf

I fully support all avenues of education, music, arts, longer lunch and recess. I have read many reports on towns who put in artificial fields then end up restricting use because of the fear of wear and tear to them. Sports in schools are important and my children are enrolled in town athletics, I am personally opposed to artificial turf, and as this town has shown in the polls, it is not willing to pay for it either. I wish the town would spend the time and energy it has on something as meaningless as plastic grass on looking at what happened to the academics in our town.

Who Me - not a coach, but I've been around them for years as all of my kids have gone through most of the youth programs and school programs in this town and several others. My comment was directed at Concerned Parent who said "I am so glad the school department will take on the expense and future maintenance of turf fields. Our MCAS scores can drop further down but we will all be playing tennis, and have beautiful fields." I'm not sure how my discussion came across as a bullying speech.

Bob,
I just read your comment. Were you referring to me as Scrooge! Signed the" other concerned parent.

Bob,
When you stated to me it isn't about playing sports, its about the turf and etc. Well, I was in a conversation with the other concerned parent. She stated that" everyone will be playing tennis, and etc. while the schools are doing poorly." It was that statement that I responded too! I knew what the vote was about. As far as calling me names, I dont appreciate it! We are adults rights? I think you misunderstood me, I feel that everyone, young and old should have some opportunities within their community! Not sure that is what you called being a scrooge! Signed the other C.P.