High School field still a go

“Yes to the field,” Board of Education President Dr. Dennis Ryan told residents at a packed school board meeting on Oct. 12, where those for and against a planned athletic field at Long Beach High School voiced their opinions on how the field would impact their community. “We’re getting fields,” Ryan said. “What the heck are we arguing about?”

The planned field, to be used for football, soccer and lacrosse, was the topic of the night, and more than 100 residents voiced their support for the project, while others expressed concern about its potential effects.

The field is part of a $92.7 million school preservation plan to be funded by a bond that was approved by voters last year. The project includes $28.7 million earmarked for building upgrades and renovations at the high school. Construction of the field is expected to begin within two years, with school officials saying it could be completed in the fall of 2012.

Costing approximately $4.1 million, the multi-purpose, synthetic-turf field would include bleacher seating for 1,200, a six-pole lighting system and 270 parking spots, 25 more than there are now. The project also features six new tennis courts, a 60-yard-long practice football field and new baseball and softball diamonds.

The high school’s varsity football team currently plays its games at Veterans’ Field at the middle school, which underwent a major renovation over the summer and now boasts a state-of-the-art track and artificial-turf field, lighting, bleachers and a press box.

At the meeting, many residents questioned the need for a new field at the high school, saying that the traffic, noise and other quality-of-life issues would negatively impact surrounding neighborhoods. “I do not understand why we have to have two football fields for such a small island,” said Karen Martin. “You’re taxing me out of this community.”