Frequently Asked Questions
What is FoxboroTurfsUp.org?
FoxboroTurfsUp.org is the website for the Friends of Foxboro Turf Field Project, a not-for-profit organization working to raise money to build a turf field for use by the youth and high school teams in Foxboro. An artificial turf field will provide much needed space for the children to compete safely and competitively in sports such as football, field hockey, lacrosse, and soccer.
Who will use the Field?
It is anticipated that all youth sports from the U-9 (Under 9) group through High School would get the opportunity to use this field. We are anticipating that the turf field will have lights and that a four season, seven day a week schedule can be implemented. Many turf fields are offered to adult sport groups to maintain the maintenance budget. We are reaching out to the leaders of Lacrosse, Baseball for early spring practice, Field Hockey, Soccer, Football and Cheerleading and the School Band. There are many town turf fields that accommodate multi sport use efficiently.
Where will the Field be and will it be Public or Private?
The turf field will be located behind Foxboro High School, adjacent to the Hersey Field and atop abandoned leaching fields. This field will not eliminate existing fields, makes great planning sense, keeps FHS kids at the FHS and centralizes youth and recreational activities that will unify and strengthen youth sports. Once constructed, the field will be turned over to the town for use by all Foxboro Youth (1st grade through High School).
(Click here to see the field location)
What does it cost to build and maintain?
Our goal is to raise $1M. Final cost will depend on the field location once determined. Items such as parking, earthwork, infrastructure, permitting, lighting and field amenities contribute to the cost and therefore the cost may be more or less. A cost estimate is the first item of business during the site selection, but we have professional engineers assisting on the committees.
Wow … How can people be asked to spend $1M on a field? Is it really needed?
The cost of the field is significant, no doubt. One synthetic field is the equivalent of many grass fields with a significantly lower maintenance cost. When taken over time, a synthetic field is cost effective with the added benefit of safety with no fertilizing, striping, cutting or watering while being able to confidently schedule games without cancellation. Many of the surrounding towns have constructed one or more fields. Many towns, through adult leagues and concessions use the proceeds to put back into their budgets.
Foxboro’s youth population is growing as is the number of sports and seasons that they are played. Foxboro has limited field space and in order to keep the fields that we do have in a safe conditions, there are many cancellations and late season starts. Youth from many surrounding towns and leagues have the advantage of longer practice and playing seasons.
What do you need besides dollar contributions?
People on the committees have been very generous with their time and talents as we start this endeavor. We have commitments to provide survey, civil engineering, legal and marketing graphics and materials. Raising money will be through soliciting donations and fundraising events. Please go to the CONTACT US tab and reach out to our Marketing and Fundraising leaders to see what they need at this particular time or equally importantly, what you have to offer. Any and all contributions as well as your time will be greatly utilized and appreciated. Our group is exciting … make a suggestion of how you can help and see how they jump on it.
What is Artificial Turf or Synthetic Turf? Is it AstroTurf?
Like Kleenex is to facial tissue, Astro Turf is to synthetic turf. The old artificial turf or “Astro Turf” was a hard indoor/outdoor rug with little to no cushion. Today’s artificial turf is greatly improved and widely used by professional sports, colleges and schools throughout the country. The field is comprised of plastic filaments that are woven like a rug and stand straight up because they are in-filled with a mixture of sand and rubber pellets. The pellets offer a cushion and the ability to get under a ball while having dependable traction. The field sits atop a well-drained foundation that allows continued play during and after significant rain. The EPA has recently published their findings through well publisized testing that the fields are safe to the environment and the users.
When can the kids play on the Field?
This project relies on volunteer efforts and private fundraising in a difficult economy. Our goal is to spread the effort out to the entire community with a steady return. Our goal is to raise the funds and build the field within a two year time frame. Between residents, businesses and grants we are projecting 2010. Your assistance is anticipated to meet the goal.