Bellmore-Merrick CHSD Brings In Turf Expert

Story written by Danielle De Souza 

The Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District recently brought in an expert to inspect the district's three high schools fields to determine if synthetic ones should be installed. 

Kevin Malone of LandTek Group in Amityville spoke of his findings at a school board meeting on Tuesday.

"What I saw was typical of what I see in most school districts," he said. "There was a lot of wear and tear and they are at the point that they need to be renovated." 

Malone said that the fields are also growing annual blue grass with very poor roots.

"With all the play you are better off going the synthetic route," he said.

Malone said that the prices of the fields can range between $700,000 to $900,000.

Unable to pay for synthetic turf out of the capital projects fund, the Bellmore-Merrick CHSD would have to put up a bond referendum in order to install three turf fields for the district.

The board said that it has met with a bonds council that will speak at a July 24 meeting.  

Superintendent John DeTommaso said that some work is currently being done to improve the fields.

"We are trying to get ready for September," he said. 

Some parents, however, said that they want more long-term fixes.

Ellen Brach, created a Facebook page for Bellmore-Merrick parents and students in favor of turf fields.

"There is a lot of money being wasted on short-term fixes," she said. "They don't address the long-term."

Brach, who has two children in the district, said that synthetic fields will be beneficial to athletes.

"I am a gym teacher so I know with them there will be less injuries," she said. 

The next Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District Board of Education meeting is scheduled on July 24 starting at 8 p.m.