Capital Plan Would Upgrade Sports Fields Across Town

The replacement of natural grass with artificial turf at Heningburg Field. An increase in length of 10 feet at Watchung Field. Upgrades at Fortunato and Woodman fields.

All this was part of a master plan for Montclair High School facilities presented by Assistant Principal John Porcelli at Monday night's Board of Education meeting.

The idea is that $933,000 would be included in a proposed capital budget to be approved later this month by the school board for the new artificial turf at Heningburg.

"This would be a first step before the other projects are undertaken," Porcelli said. "Starting with Heningburg Field gives us the most benefits right away."

If grass was replaced by turf at Heningburg—located directly across the street from the high school's gym—physical education classes could utilize the field every day instead of having to walk to Fortunato Field.

Porcelli said it would also give the band "a home."

Implementation of the overall master plan also would allow the district to boost the fees charged to rent fields in town, he said.

In addition, the master plan would lengthen Watchung Field by 10 feet, meaning Watchung Elementary School would have to move and/or replace its playground. Lengthening the field would permit more regulation variety sports to be played there.

The plan also would fill in open spots with turf at Fortunato Field and re-line Woodman Field.

Mitch Heisler of the Montclair United Soccer Club expressed his support for the plan at Monday night's meeting.

"This would improve the Montclair brand for young families," he said.

But at least a few board members seemed unsure as to whether so much money should be set aside now for a non-instructional item.

Most agreed, however, that the fields in general were "worn" and in need of improvements.

Porcelli said he knew of no evidence that turf caused more injuries to athletes or negatively impacted the environment.

But at least two people who live near Heningburg Field stood Monday night to express their displeasure with the idea of artificial turf.

They said the plan would impact noise, crowds, and parking in the area, not to mention the environment.