Grand Ave. Middle School gets turf field

Bellmore middle-schoolers now have a turf field to call their own.

Residents, students, faculty members and administrators gathered on May 4 for a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Grand Avenue Middle School’s recently revamped athletic field. The turf was installed following passage of a $49.89 million bond. A turf field was installed at Merrick Avenue Middle School as well.

The bond proposal, prepared by BBS Architects, Landscape Architects and Engineers of Patchogue, passed a public vote in December 2013. The plan included $6.5 million for new artificial-turf athletic fields at all five Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District schools.

Grand Avenue Principal Carlo Conte welcomed visitors to the school’s new field and introduced the cheerleading and kickline squads. Student-athletes held a 20-foot green ribbon above the school logo, and a member of the Grand Avenue softball team cut the ribbon. After the ceremony, student-athletes took part in a variety of contests.

Superintendent John DeTommaso, Assistant Superintendents David Seinfeld and Mara Bollettieri, and Athletic Director Saul Lerner attended.

In addition to field improvements, the bond proposal called for $6 million for new bathrooms and $5 million for new science laboratories at all five district schools, as well as monies for renovated music, art, faculty and guidance rooms, refinished gym floors, kitchen ceiling and lighting replacement, removal of vinyl asbestos titles, masonry work, new doors where needed, and air-conditioning units in all classrooms and auditoriums.

The bond will cost local taxpayers $104 per year, or $8.67 per month.