By Shannon McFarlin News Director
Henry, Tenn.—After weeks of study, the Henry County Schools board of education Thursday night unanimously approved installation of synthetic turf at the Bill Hudson Football Field—as well as a re-do of the track–at the high school. Drainage concerns at the field also will be addressed in the project.
The meeting was an especially busy one, with the board donating its supplements back to the system, the board approving a greenhouse project for Lakewood School proposed by Student and Boy Scout Preston Pooler, approving the next year’s school calendar and congratulated the district’s Spelling Bee winners.
The synthetic turf versus natural grass issue has been discussed on and off for a few years, but the discussions became more earnest recently as the football field has deteriorated.
The motion to approve the synthetic turf was made by Board Member Rod Frey and seconded by Tom Beasley.
Upon recommendation of Director of Schools Dr. Leah Watkins, the board voted to fund the project by using $757,000 from existing capital funds, plus a donation of $118,000 from the Quarterback Club. In making her recommendation, Dr. Watkins said she feels it’s important to stay away from recurring costs from fund balance unless it is essential and that this funding option would leave $809,612 in existing capital funds “so we’re in good shape.”
She also noted that the Quarterback Club “is a major supporter of the school district. Right now, they have $118,000 in the bank for this project and they’re a major partner that we are counting on. We could not do this project without them.”
Board Member Rod Frey noted, “I just want the public to understand there are no new taxes involved in this.”
The action follows a joint work session held Tuesday night between the school board and the Henry County Commission on the issue. The commissioners will meet Tuesday, February 18, and County Mayor Brent Greer is expected to present the school board’s synthetic turf action to the county commission for approval.
Tim Cowan, consultant with Athletic Surfaces Plus in Memphis, which provides project management and consulting services for installation of turf fields, gave a presentation to the board at the request of Director of Schools Dr. Leah Watkins. He listed projects that have been conducted all over the region by his company (including Bethel) and presented information on the scope of the projects and what can be provided by his company.
Dr. Watkins said, “This is a new project for us and I wanted him to present information on all of this for us.”
Cowan said, “Henry County has a storied program and the time is right for this.” Cowan spoke of the benefits of synthetic turf, which include less maintenance, less maintenance costs, improved safety, improved environmental concerns, more use of the field by more programs. “It’s great to see a community coming together on a project like this,” he said.
Cowan said the timeline for installation varies, depending on weather and other concerns. He said his company completed one project in six weeks.
Photo: Tim Cowan of Athletic Surfaces Plus of Memphis makes a presentation to the board. (Shannon McFarlin photo)