FAQs

WHY?

Is a synthetic turf field needed?

Yes.  The number of school and community teams requesting use of the Town's sports fields exceeds the capacity of our current fields.  Intensive use of the existing natural-grass fields wears them out quickly and makes them unusable when wet.  Enrollment continues to grow and so does the number of student athletes, creating higher demand for limited field space and driving some youth sports organizations to rent space outside of Winchester.

Enrollment continues to grow in our schools

• 2002 - 3,378 students
• 2017 - 4,688 students
• 2017 - 1,351 WHS students
• 35% increase in students but no reciprocal increase in field space

Number of student athletes also growing

• 2010-11 - Spring - 467     Fall - 499
• 2015-16 - Spring - 518     Fall - 507

Number of town run and private youth sports organizations

• 2016 - 4,792 players

Winchester Population Demographics

Has Winchester adequately prepared for the growth in enrollment and is there a plan to provide quality, athletic, and recreational facilities for its residents?

Unfortunately, no.  There is no master plan for the Skillings Field parcel which represents a unique opportunity given its proximity to the new high school, the Jenks Center and the downtown.  Further, there is no master plan for all recreational assets and and a lack of focus on these precious resources.  This is an area for future improvement and planning

Winchester ranks between 13th for highest tax bill in MA, but in the middle (130th) in general fund spending toward culture and recreation (1.809%)* Recreation is an under served aspect in need of funding

in FY17, for every $100 of taxes raised less than a dollar (about 35 cents) goes toward recreation in any form

The average tax bill is $12,000  this year, but only about $45 of that is used for recreation services or facilities

Roughly $315,000 of $84.4M in taxes raised this fiscal year went to recreation in any form*€“ less than 0.4

Winchester has used debt exclusions for culverts, schools and a farm but never for recreation facilities

* Based on MA Department of Revenue Municipal Data Bank general fund expenditure report
** FY17 net expenditures on recreation - Rec. Department operations, Manchester Field debt service, Borggaard Beach septic tank

When will the field be ready for use?

In the best case scenario the synthetic trurf field could be ready for play in the fall of 2017.  A more conservative schedule would have the field open by the Spring, 2018.  Planting grass requires two full seasons of growth before the field can be played on, pushing the less than advantageous availability into 2019 if Question 1 is not approved.

Town Meeting and the voters turned down the last proposal for a synthetic turf field at Skillings?  Why is this proposal different?

While the proposal is the same, the question will not be tied to another debt exclusion question as it was in 2015.  At that time, voters could only vote for the Skillings Field project if they first voted for the culvert and remediation projects, putting the Skillings field question in a less than advantageous position. On Tuesday, March 28th, the Skillings Filed question will be the only question on the ballot, giving voters a clear and easy to understand choice. 

Based on the feedback we have received thus far after meeting with numerous Town officials, stakeholders like Swim Winchester, and residents, we are confident that when residents take a look at the facts, they will agree this represents a great investment for the Town. Simply put, we think there will be strong support for an additional turf field because of the demand, the desire to have a quality athletic facility to match the new high school and the value that such a facility can provide to the entire community.

 

CONSTRUCTION & DESIGN

Will construction of the synthetic turf field damage or require replacement of the fabric barrier that has been newly installed as part of the soil remediation project?

No.  The finish grades of the existing scope being installed would be similar to the areas to receive the synthetic field finish and can be coordinated with the current construction team to be left at an agreed sub grade.

Will installation of the field comply with the environmental remediation agreement between the town and the DEP?

Yes, the contaminated soils have been removed from the site of the proposed field.  The barrier fabric will not be removed, and the gravel base and turf will serve to cap the area. 

Will installation of the field comply with the flood mitigation program agreement between the town and the state?

Yes, the field will not increase the risk of flooding by raising the ground level of Skillings field, otherwise displacing flood waters, or increasing the volume of storm-water flowing into the Aberjona River.

Will the field require modification of the Conservation Commission'€™s Order of Conditions?

Yes, the Town must request changes to the project delivery schedule, but again with communication and coordination this should not be an issue.

Will the field layout conflict with the proposed layout of the Swim Winchester pool?

No. In fact, we have discussed this project with the proponents of the pool and see the two projects fitting together and creating a wonderful community asset for people of all ages to enjoy. This layout sets the ball field in optimal position and leaves room for the pool and other areas to be developed.  Click to see Swim Winchester website

Will the field layout make it difficult to develop additional grass or synthetic turf fields on other sections of Skillings?

No, there is sufficient space to layout several additional fields; however, there is no overall plan for Skillings at this time.  Again, we have discussed our plan with Swim Winchester and other stakeholders and fully support developing a Master Plan to optimize this last opportunity the Town has for quality recreational facilities.

Are you proposing to use crumb rubber fill for the field?

We know there are options to crumb rubber, such as coated crumb rubber (Encapsulated SBR) or EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) fill and will work with the Town and synthetic turf specialists to find a suitable surface that is safe and can be maintained at a reasonable cost.  Dozens of studies have been conducted, including one by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health in 2015 at the request of Needham and Medway, and concluded that "exposure to synthetic turf through play presents no additional health risks".

Skillings is in a hundred-year flood plain.  Will the synthetic turf field wash away if Skillings floods?

No.   Some fills, such as coated crumb rubber (Encapsulated SBR) or EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) are less likely to wash off.  The turf mats and gravel substructures are unlikely to wash out, but will require cleaning and may require some regrading in the case of a severe flood.  Again, we will work with the Town, its consultant VHB and turf professionals to address all variables.  Grass fields would also face significant concerns in the event of a flood.

Are you proposing to install lights for the baseball diamond?

No, not at this time.  However, we recommend installing conduit now, as the field is constructed.  This will reduce future costs if and when the Town decides to add lighting.  We would expect this be coordinated with the master plan for Skillings to install the most efficient system.

What are the cost savings or penalties from halting work on installation of the grass field and instead installing a synthetic turf field?

The current best estimate is there would be no significant savings or additional costs if the Town makes its decision by late April or early May so that engineering and plans can be completed in time to allow installation during the late summer or early fall.

Will installation of a synthetic turf field delay completion of the High School or delay MSBA reimbursement for the state'€™s share of the High School reconstruction costs?

No, they are separate projects and the ball field fits perfectly within the outline of the parking lot.

COSTS

The costs of the culvert and soil remediation projects are projected to come in below budget.  Can the Town reprogram funds from these projects to pay for the synthetic turf field?

No, funds from the culvert and remediation projects cannot be used for other projects without voter approval through a new ballot question.  However, these projects were budgeted for $11.45 Million and are coming in at $9.6 Million, which is $1.8M below budget.  Having accrued these savings, the bonds for this project will be paid off sooner than expected.

Are your cost estimates for the field current and accurate?

Our original cost estimates were derived from the information published by the Board of Selectmen, School Committee and Field Management Committee in 2015, see Skillings Field Project.  Since then, through discussions with the Board and the Town consultants, the project is estimated to cost between $1.9M and $2.4M.  The BOS stated they will be working on developing a more accurate figure in time for the ballot question. We have also discussed the need for a master plan for this project and are expecting that may be part of the Selectmen'€™s final proposal.

How will you pay for the replacement of the field surface when it wears out in 10-15 years?

In our discussion with the Board of Selectmen there seems to be agreement that the existing revolving fund for synthetic fields can be used as a dedicated source of revenue.  We envision this fund being supported by rental income, private fundraising through existing youth sports organizations and possibly contributions from the Town.  We project being able to raise at least $50k/year in rental income and will be pushing for the Town to contribute a portion of the revenues save through lower maintenance costs into this fund.  In addition, we know that we will be able to rely upon the various youth sports organizations on a regular basis.  This combination of funding will easily provide more than enough revenue to maintain the new field annually and pay for a new surface when necessary.  Please see out Cost & Tax Impact page for more details.