Board approves site-design study for potential second turf field; two members vote no

The Dallastown Area School Board on June 12 approved a site design concepts agreement to study the feasibility of a second turf field on campus, using the soccer field area near the middle school. The board approved the exploratory design work, which was estimated at $124,600.

Administrators said the study is intended to determine stormwater and site feasibility and does not commit the district to construction. The contract is phased so work can stop if the site proves not viable or costs are prohibitive.

Board discussion and votes: Board members asked whether the full contract amount would be spent even if the project was halted at an early phase. Administration answered that the agreement included phases and that the district might not spend the entire estimate. Board member Joseph Dotterweich and board member Mister Pierce said they would not support funding for the study at this time; both explained they prefer to delay the study until next year. The motion passed on roll call: seven votes in favor and two opposed (Pierce and Dotterweich).

Why it matters: A second turf field would affect athletics, scheduling and maintenance budgets and could have implications for stormwater, lighting, and use outside school hours; the study is the district’s next step to develop cost estimates and identify permitting requirements.

Next steps: With the study approved, administration will begin the exploratory design work and report back to the board. If the study shows feasibility and acceptable costs, the board would later consider whether to advance to construction and how to fund it.