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Student tells board Valley Central needs new turf field, cites injury and canceled season
Summary
A Valley Central High School student urged the board to replace uneven natural turf with an artificial turf field, citing a teammate's broken fibula and arguing turf reduces injuries, maintenance and can generate revenue through outside events.
A Valley Central High School student spoke during public comment to urge the board to replace the district’s football and lacrosse field with artificial turf, saying the current surface is uneven, poorly drained and unsafe.
"I'm here to talk about something critical to the future of our athletic programs, the condition of our football and lacrosse fields," the student, Thomas Lasset, said. Lasset, who identified himself as a freshman varsity swimmer, JV lacrosse player and JROTC member, said a teammate broke a fibula on the field and missed the season because of uneven ground.
Lasset told the board turf would provide “safer, more consistent surfaces,” reduce cancellations, be usable year‑round, lower maintenance costs over time and could bring in outside events and revenue for the district. He asked the board to invest in a new turf field “to protect our athletes, strengthen our program, and bring pride to our entire community.”
Board members did not take immediate action on the request during the meeting. The board noted the matter of Walden construction and capital planning is already in motion; any separate athletic facility project would require cost estimates and a separate financing decision.
