If the Bath school board decides to again propose replacing the natural grass football field with artificial turf, it’ll do so knowing it has the support of the Bath Village Board.
The village board agreed Monday to send a letter to the school board supporting improvements to athletic fields.
It did so after Dave Clark, Bath-Haverling Sports Booster Club president, told trustees the group has raised an estimated $40,000 that could be used to pay the local share of the project not covered by state aid. Along with resurfacing the football field, Clark said boosters feel the track and bleachers need work to help attract county and sectional meets and games.
A proposal to install artificial turf was defeated by district residents two years ago.
The latest proposed facility needs and upgrades were brought to the school board in October, according to the school’s Athletic Director Don Long. The school board meets again Wednesday.
“At that time I hope the board will take some action or provide some direction on (the improvements),” Long said.
Village Mayor David Wallace emphasized the village was not lobbying for the improvements.
“I want us to be sensitive to not telling them what they should do,” Wallace said.
Trustees said they would send a letter of moral support, with Trustee Michael Skelly saying attracting more sports meets benefits the local economy.
Weekend meets mean overnight stays in local motels and more business for area restaurants, he said.
Two years ago, voters approved a $16.5 million plan to upgrade the primary and middle schools, but turned down a separate, $1 million plan to install artificial turf on the school’s football/lacrosse field.
