"We are proud to accept this award as an example of the kind of innovative cooperative relationship that local government can create for the benefit of its residents," said Mayor Eugene Murray after accepting the award at a recent NYCOM conference.
The agreement saved the village half of the $1.2 million cost of the two fields and effectively quadrupled the playing time available to local sports organizations. The artificial turf also saves the village approximately $50,000 per year in maintenance costs and can be used in almost any weather.
The agreement provided Molloy and Rockville Centre with two NCAA Class I sports fields for use by the college, South Side High School and village sports leagues.
In addition to being playable in rain and snow, the artificial surface is also free of divots, holes and other defects common to high traffic areas on a natural surface. "These fields will reduce weather-related delays and cancellations," said Village Administrator Ron Wasson, "and they will also significantly reduce the chances for injury to players." The "field turf" was purchased on a county contract and is expected to have at least an eight-year life span.
