By Sarah Opdahl

On Monday, February 12, New Fairfield’s Field Fees Committee met to review the known facts about the need for replacement of the Rebel Stadium turf and track. A discussion about fees was measured but drew calls for compassion and speed from local youth coaches, who passionately argued for fees to be fair and remain easily affordable for families.

Buildings and Grounds Director Mr. Phil Ross gave a detailed report on the current state of the turf and track, which he explained are both in disrepair. With more than a decade since the last replacement and heavy maintenance, the turf is “becoming very hard,” which can be dangerous. Ross gave testing data that shows the turf steadily deteriorating over the past several years.

Though testing was not completed on the track, Ross went on to point out that it is the same age and in the same rough shape. Cracks are numerous and large portions of the rubberized surface are loose. Though it is possible to recoat rather than replace the track, it was explained that not only would the turf repla cement likely damage the track further, the economies of scale in completing them together is logical. Committee member and long-standing Flash track coach Mr. Jim Keller gave a passionate appeal in favor of replacing the track at the same time as the turf. There is also hope to change the track material from a rubberized surface to a polyurethane surface. Replacement for the stadium lighting, which is original to the high school and 50 years old, is also in the proposed budget. There was a brief discussion about potential vendors for the projects.

A significant ask in this year’s proposed education budget, the replacement would require $600,000 of investment. Another $600,000 would be funded from the Field Fees account. The account was originally promised to fund all track and turf replacement, but it is now apparent that the amount that accrues is not adequate to support the entire project. A $1.2 million investment will provide a base model replacement with a shock pad—it was noted that there are loads of optional add-ons that would be waived in order to keep the cost low. The add-on that Athletic Director Mr. Mark Ottusch laments the most are safety nets beyond the end zones that would catch stray balls and keep them from potentially hitting someone off field.

Field Fees Committee members question the fact that the school and external parties bear the full cost for the replacement, considering the heavy use of the facilities by town residents. The per player field fee for the season was $35 for well over a decade and was increased to $45 in 2020 and then to $50 in the fall of 2023. There is an additional $5 fee if a player is using the John J. Pendergast Field.

Coach after coach took to the podium in public comment to both issue plea s for fees to remain the same and for decisions to be quickly made, as they are currently setting fees for spring and beyond. The gist of public comment was that coaches understand the field fees are serving a greater good, but unilateral fees are unfair for some and the burden of future repair should not be pressed further than it is onto families. Coach Mr. Marty Morgan questioned the logic of there being a field fee for outdoor sports when there is no equivalent for indoor sports, such as basketball court replacement or pool repair fees. He said of the track and turf, “I think it is part of our town. I think everybody loves going up there and being there. I think when there is a surplus in a town, any kind of extra money, it should go to the field. We shouldn’t be looking for land to buy and stuff like that.”

Coach Mr. Mike Evans pointed out the many difficulties with the scheduling of fields and quagmires that can occur and lead to unfair situations, such as paying despite many rainouts. He pointed out other potentially unfair scenarios, such as the very youngest players using the fields for an hour a week and who never leave the grass paying the same fee as teens who use the turf multiple times per week.

Committee members thanked the coaches for their input and reminded them that their membership makeup is largely new and they plan to address concerns. Superintendent Dr. Ken Craw said, “I think we will be able to draw on some of the good thinking that we have here.” He pointed to solutions being presented in both the current proposed budget and agreed with Chair Mr. Ed Sbordone in there being great interest in developing sound long-term plans as well. For now, the group agreed to meet more frequently to discuss the issue.