RHS Principal Endorses the Idea of Artificial Turf on the Stadium Field

Rockville High School Principal Eric Baim on Tuesday said that the installation of artificial turf would add practical - and marquee - value to the RHS stadium field.

Baim was asked his opinion after the Board of Education meeting, which took place at the high school on Tuesday.

"I truly believe that a project like this is completely community based," he said. "We talk about bringing the community closer together and this is something that I believe will do that."

One event a new field would help is the annual music festival hosted by the Marching Ram Band. 

"The band has a tremendous following and brings in a solid competition every year," Baim said.

Baim sits on the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference football tournament committee and a new field could make a lasting impression on the region, he said.

"The field would attract that much more … we can actually host a semifinal game at the school," he said. "We have the facilities, the parking, the lights, and the stands. All we are missing is the field. Is it fair that teams from the north and northeast parts of the state have to travel to Trumbull or Shelton to play a game like that? We have the facilities to do that. Also, the midget program, travel soccer and lacrosse, parks and rec  teams all can take advantage. It will promote more kids participating in activities if they know they are playing at a facility as good as the one we can have. This community needs to come together and this might be a step in that direction."

Michael Purcaro, the director of business and finance for the Vernon school system, said a field project would be considered a capital improvement issue and it would be openly discussed as part of the "normal budgetary process."

The cost would be about $900,000 and grants would be applied for, he said.

Tolland has received a $500,000 Small Town Economic Assistance Grant from the state to fund the design and installation of artificial turf on the THS athletic field, according to a news release from the governor's office.

It is estimated that the project will cost between $800,000 and $1 million to complete. Funding for the project is coming from the $500,000 STEAP grant, another $200,000 grant from the state of Connecticut and $300,000 in bonding from the town of Tolland.