There has been a recent issue at the Island Trees High School Turf field. They have implemented a rule that anyone who is not a student (K-12) can not use the turf at any time. This includes alumni, adults, and the community.
I personally contacted Principal Nicholas Grande in March and have yet to get a response. When I forwarded that email to Schools Superintendent, Charles Murphy, he said: 
“The high school athletic field is for K-12 (Island Trees) use. Initially when the school district made the decision to turn on the lights, we did not anticipate the number of 18+ residents who would be drawn to this area. However, there have been too many experiences where older residents have pushed the K-12 students off the field or caused them to walk away when they are there. The goal was to give the K-12 students a place to work out and play ball, not adults. The school district has had to explain to a number of people that the field is not a public park. There are other public parks in the area where all are welcome to work out and/or engage in recreational activities. Please note we are doing more by allowing the students to use the field than other school districts. For example, Levittown does not allow anyone on their fields without a permit. If we allow any Island Trees resident to use the field, there would be little room, if any space for our students. The reality is bigger, stronger and more aggressive adults will take the field from younger children. This has occurred and will continue to occur unless parameters on placed on the field usage.”
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, but will be the focal point for our Island Trees school community.”
He told me personally that it was intended for K-12 only, but told the community that it will be “the focal point for our Island Trees school community.”
There is also a petition to change this at hwww.change.org/p/island-trees-board-of-education-allowing-iths-alumni-to-use-the-turf-field.
—Nicholas Avitable
