Parents and residents push back as Bexley presents $115 million Phase 1 plan that would reduce Cassingham playground

Dozens of parents and residents told the Bexley City School District board on Jan. 14 that they oppose installing artificial turf at district fields and object to plans that would remove usable outdoor play space at Cassingham Elementary.

At a packed public-comment period Abigail Lauther said the community has gathered two petitions opposing turf (426 signatures) and calling for better outdoor space at Cassingham (372 signatures). "All types of artificial turf ... contain multiple substances known to cause health issues including cancer, abnormal brain development, and hormone disruption," Lauther said, citing concerns about microplastics and PFAS and urging the board to favor natural grass.

The district’s facilities presentation, led by Dr. Williams, framed turf as a response to access and capacity constraints. He told the board that Phase 1 — which the combined facilities and finance committees recommended — would focus on a new middle school, prioritized capital repairs, stadium repairs and turf at the Maryland and Montrose sites. Williams said updated vendor pricing lowered the district’s turf estimate from about $6 million to roughly $4 million and that the new Phase 1 cost estimate is about $115,000,000.

"When people ask why turf instead of grass, it really comes down to two things, access and capacity," Williams said, noting turf can keep play and practices running during wet conditions and can increase the number of playable days. He also said conceptual designs are preliminary and that the district would not engage in final design work until voters have approved a ballot measure.

Several speakers pushed back on the district’s characterization of the middle‑school site and its effects on Cassingham’s playground. Kara Herrnstein said the plan’s "phase 1" label implies a larger coherent plan but, she argued, provides no timetable or funding plan for later phases and would leave Central Bexley without its only shared outdoor space. "We are talking about usable space for our kids to play outside. That will not be retained," she said.

Dr. Williams told the board that, in concept, converting some access to the varsity field would increase student play space during the school day by about 31,000 square feet and that the final middle‑school design does not yet exist. He said the district will continue to study alternatives — including organic infill options for turf — monitor federal health guidance, consult with researchers and clinicians, and solicit community feedback during a design phase only if and after a voter-approved measure moves forward.

The board did not take a formal vote on Phase 1 at the Jan. 14 meeting. Dr. Fine, the superintendent, said he intends to bring a recommendation to the board in the coming months and reiterated an intent to place a final levy question on the November 2026 ballot rather than May to allow more time for community education.

What's next: District staff said they will continue community engagement, report updated cost figures at finance meetings and provide more detailed options and renderings only after voter approval and selection of architectural services.