Saying yes to artificial turf in Lynbrook

Heated discussions about a possible artificial-turf field for the district have ended — at least until May. At the Lynbrook Board of Education’s last budget work session, on March 23, trustees voted 4-3 to offer a proposition for a $4.6 million artificial-turf complex in the upcoming district election. The money, trustees said, will come from the district’s reserves, and its Renovation and Improvement of Facilities fund.

“It’s a wise thing to do at this point because the money is there,” said Superintendent Dr. Santo Barbarino. “It will benefit the children, no doubt. We have a tremendous number of students who participate in activities who this will benefit directly. I also think that it’s a perfect opportunity, given the fact that it does not impact … the budget. It does not raise anyone’s taxes. What it does do is provides a facility that will bring us where I think we should be.”

The proposed cost would leave approximately $500,000 in the reserve fund, according to Trustee Robert Paskoff.

Barbarino, Assistant Superintendent of Business Dr. Melissa Burak, District Facilities Director Al Scotto, District Athletics Director Tom Graham and Grounds Supervisor Michael McDougal formed a committee to look into artificial turf last December. They examined the location and use of the district’s fields and identified key needs, including proper drainage. The committee also reviewed a 2007 study of artificial turf — a private group wanted to fund it at the time, according to McDougal. “This [new] approach is more cooperative,” he said.

Committee members presented a report in February that included cost estimates and architectural sketches of their location of choice, the oval at South Middle School. South was chosen for several reasons, including the fact that it offers more scheduling flexibility and more land to work with than at other district buildings. The field, committee members said, would be used for high school football, soccer, lacrosse and track and field.