Construction is well under way for a new synthetic turf athletic field at Island Trees High School.
The football team, marching band, boys and girls soccer teams and boys and girls lacrosse teams will be able to use the field, whose completion is slated for March 2010, before the start of lacrosse season.
In a letter to the community posted on the district’s website, Island Trees District Superintendent Dr. Charles Murphy said, “The field turf synthetic grass system will be the home field for our Bulldog high school athletic teams, as well as be available for many other community organizations and events.”
“We hope the project will not only enhance the student-athlete experience,” Dr. Murphy said. “But will be the focal point for our Island Trees school community.”
The groundbreaking was Nov. 5 with LandTek, the company chosen for completing the project, starting construction on Nov. 9. The construction area will be closed to the community until its completion in March when it will be open to youth sports in the Island Trees Community, Murphy said.
The project, which will cost $990,000 according to Dr. Murphy, is a product of the Excel Bond Referendum that was passed to fund capital improvements in the district.
“The district was fortunate enough to negotiate with LandTek,” Murphy said in an interview. “They threw in netting at the ends of the field to protect spectators as part of the deal.”
At no additional cost, LandTek also “is going to dump the excess soil from the field onto the grounds behind the Gallow School and level it out to create a new field,” Murphy said. “We’re going to have a nice athletic field for our youth sports.”
According to Murphy, the project has been in the planning stages for two years.
“We appreciate the efforts of many people who have worked so hard to make this dream a reality,” Murphy said in his letter to the community. “Most importantly, we would like to thank the Island Trees Board of Education and community for their commitment to our students, schools and facilities. Without their tireless support of our school district, this endeavor would not be possible.”
The LandTek Group, located in Amityville, has been in business for 20 years. The company’s website, http://landtek-group.com/main_menu.html, describes itself as “ A leader in the construction of athletic fields for colleges and high schools. Our reputation has helped us to be involved in numerous projects throughout the tri-state area. Our expertise in Athletic Field Construction, Golf Course Construction, and Drainage has made us a leader in our industry.”
“We are truly fortunate to break ground on this state of the art athletic field for our Island Trees children,” Murphy said in his letter. “We hope the new facility brings new life and energy for our students both in the classroom, as well as on our athletic field.”
