Natowich Field: High time for change

Editor of the Reformer, Regarding the issue of natural grass or artificial turf at Brattleboro Union High School, one thing that seems to have been lost in the debate is that everyone seems to agree that the status quo is unacceptable. Those of us in favor of a natural grass solution have tried our best to present the facts about the many advantages of natural, organically managed grass fields over artificial turf. However, comments at the last School Board meeting (reported in the Reformer on Oct. 17) seemed to imply that those of us in favor of considering natural grass have little or no regard for competitive sports teams at BUHS for boys AND girls teams.

We all realize that the fields have not been resurfaced since 1965 when the great teacher, coach and former NFL athlete, Andrew Natowich, supervised the resurfacing of the football field later named for him. We all want to have competitive teams that promote school pride while also preparing our student athletes for continued success even beyond their time at BUHS. We all want to see multiple sports played under the lights on fields that are safe, strong and durable. Unfortunately, some individuals seem absolutely closed to the possibility that natural grass fields — using scientifically proven methods for installation and proper maintenance — are very much a viable solution to the poor field conditions in which our student athletes now compete.

Some advocates of artificial turf seem so locked into their position that they refuse even to entertain the arguments of soil experts who explain how natural grass fields are not only (a) much better for the environment; (b) much, much less expensive over the long run; (c) healthier with regard to toxic exposure and safer with regard to ACL injuries and concussions; and (d) strong enough to withstand the punishment of football games and practices as well as other sports. When properly constructed and maintained with attention to soil health, today’s organically managed natural grass fields have deeper root development, and quickly become safe and playable even after the most brutal winters. Natural grass fields are not only aesthetically pleasing, they are more resilient to flooding and drought, perform a host of ecosystem services and can withstand much greater usage than conventionally managed fields.

Certainly, the Board will need more data is needed on the specific costs of installing and maintaining an organic field specifically tailored to the needs at BUHS and that is why we urge the School Board to draw up requests for qualifications (RFQs) and requests for proposals (RFPs) from soil experts for natural grass solutions along with proposals for artificial turf. A fair and comprehensive comparison of the advantages and disadvantages of synthetic and natural grass fields is the least that can be expected to make a fully informed decision and to arrive at the wisest path forward.

Tim Maciel, Brattleboro Common Sense Oct. 28
Marilyn Chiarello, Edible Brattleboro

Brattleboro Reformer Published 10/31/19