WHY NOT GRASS?
Grass fields are becoming more difficult (and costly) to properly maintain both seasonally and while at rest – they require treatment, reseeding and sod replacement. On-going irrigation is required due to increased drought conditions (balanced with reduced Essex County water supply).
Grass fields require rest – lower traffic/periods of inactivity. Fields are used for both practice and games. The Tri-towns do not have enough operational grass fields to support Masco overflow practices to lessen the burden on game fields.
There have been a number of game postponements/relocations due to grass conditions or unsafe playing conditions on current fields.
Masco athletes have a shorter playing season on home fields due to the above conditions.
Tri-town youth sports are not able to utilize Masco fields so teams are heavily relying on the turf field at Boxford Commons.
WHY TURF?
Masco is the only school without turf fields in the NEC/CAL leagues. Masco facilities have slipped below what is a comparable level to other public high schools.
Students want to be able to practice and play on school grounds they are proud of, in front of their community, rather than play elsewhere.
Masco cannot host MIAA tournament games based on current field conditions and/or lack of related amenities such as ticketing and accessible accommodations which the turf field plan addresses.
In-season maintenance of fields is less than that of grass and the “season” is almost year-round as fields can be used for recreation and practice even on warm winter days.
Turf solves the broader community problem related to need vs. availability. Tri-town community grass fields also need repair and Boxford Common is trying to serve all the needs.
