The issue of installing turf fields at public school facilities is an ongoing one all around Long Island. Roslyn High School, as often is the case, is ahead of the curve. In October 2007, the Bulldog football squad played their first game on the artificial turf installed on high school grounds.
That field is nearly nine years old, but was in the works for years before that. The field was seen as a positive step, but as important, it was installed at no cost to school district taxpayers. The turf was envisioned and created by members of The Roslyn Bulldog Booster Association (RBBA). At the occasion of the 2007 Homecoming Game, the RBBA issued a statement on the field and its history.
“Years ago, RBBA developed an ambitious vision to improve the school athletic facilities that were badly in need of capital improvements,” it read. “The “Its Your Turf” campaign was the culmination of that dream. RBBA has held multiple fundraisers to raise proceeds and awareness about this and other projects. The redevelopment of the high school field complex supports football, lacrosse and soccer teams, 11 teams in total. The field also serves the marching band, physical education programs and is available to community and club teams.
“The new athletic complex provides the student body with a state of the art field and has served to restore community pride,” the statement continued. “The new complex will increase utilization, lower ongoing maintenance costs and most importantly be a source of visible community pride.”
An important factor in the fundraising was the establishment of a Bulldogs Brick drive. Personalized donations to the brick drive were recognized in the construction of a memorial that is part of the entryway to the Roslyn High School athletic fields. The donor recognition program, not surprisingly, was a success and it allowed this Roslyn-style field of dreams to be completed in a timely fashion.
Nearly nine years later, the turf field has been a success, hosting numerous and memorable athletic events and also exciting performances by the award-winning Roslyn High School Marching Band. In addition, there have been not any complaints by coaches, players or parents about potentially harsh injuries or illnesses.
