South Harrison group seeks turf field as company pledges to match half the cost

Scott Wallace, a South Harrison graduate and youth-sports volunteer, told the Harrison County Schools board that recent sprinkler failures and drought left the school's grass field unusable and vulnerable to prolonged closures. "There's no reason we can't," Wallace said, describing how the loss of a usable field can dim student participation and community pride.

The presentation detailed a community-led plan to install turf for multi-sport use and track resurfacing. Adam, identified as the vice principal, provided an itemized "worst case scenario" cost estimate and noted the turf would also create practice and band spaces and improve year-round usability.

Warren O'Brien, introduced in the meeting as the CEO of a regional gas company, said his company will partner on the project and on workforce training. O'Brien pledged in the meeting that the company would "match 50% of what it cost to do this project," offering both financial backing and in-kind support such as contractor outreach and equipment.

Board members asked practical questions about track size and costs (a regulation-size track was estimated in the presentation to cost about $8.5 million and was ruled out for this project). They also discussed cooperative purchasing opportunities and local fundraising committees. Several board members voiced support and encouraged organizers to return with a fundraising plan and proposed budget.

The board did not take formal action on the turf project during the meeting. Presenters said next steps include forming a fundraising committee, returning with a proposed budget, and coordinating with the superintendent on possible use of district resources and approvals.