February 3, 2012
by Christine Yeres
The Chappaqua Turf Committee (TCTC) has plans to expand its original $2 million fundraising campaign for turf installation on the Greeley Competition Field to include another $1 million for improvements and additions to the surrounding area. On Tuesday, board of education members voted to accept up to $3 million in private donations TCTC intends to raise. At the same time, the board amended its contract with The WBA Group to include the additional design and engineering services—all contingent upon receiving the funds from the TCTC.
Installation of the turf by fall of 2012 remains TCTC’s priority, but additional restrooms, walkways, improvement to the concession stand, the track, and tennis courts are now in the committees sights as well. TCTC currently has around a half-million in donations and pledges.
In its application to the NYS Education Department for the required approvals for the fields project, the board will include needed roof repairs to the Greeley gym. By doing so, the entire $3 million project—turf field and roof repair—qualifies for state aid of around 30% of the cost, resulting in $900,000 back to the school district, spread out over 15 years.
The Chappaqua Turf Committee’s Expanded Plans
Additonal fees (not shown) are associated with each
• reconstruct the running track—$380,000
• replace tennis court lights (with same as on football field, directed downward)—$110,000
• resurface the tennis courts—$30,000
• concession stand, mechanical room, restrooms—$40,000
• entrance plaza and walkway to the field—$210,000
• correct drainage to visitor side of the field—$20,000
• construct restrooms—$104,000
• septic and sewer—$20,000
• scoreboard matrix—$90,000
• press box renovation (at the top of the home bleachers)—$25,000
• move the handicap ramp to the bleachers (they now prevent access to the ground floor storage under the press box)—$8,000
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