Plan for new turf at Stewart Field growing roots
COSHOCTON – Discussions started two and one half years ago to replace the grass turf at Stewart Field, the home of the Coshocton Redskins, with an artificial surface. A committee was formed, plans were made, talks with vendors were ongoing and the result is a true grass roots effort and a testament to what perseverance can do.
Brent Mason and Thad Coffman are two members of the community that are heavily involved in the venture to replace the grass field with an artificial surface from ACT Global Sports Pro Grass. This is a U.S. company that has a solid reputation and has playing surfaces at many of the top name high schools in Ohio, colleges across the nation and more.
Mason said, “There are many, many benefits to an artificial surface versus natural grass. Athletes are less prone to suffering injuries and many people are not aware that the second round of the OHSAA football playoffs must be played on an artificial surface.”
This will become a multi-purpose facility that will benefit much more than the football program. Hosting tournaments will bring new business to Coshocton. All girls and boys’ soccer and youth football games can be played on the new field as well as offer practice areas for band and baseball.
Coffman said, “When you think about it, Stewart Field is Coshocton’s largest classroom. Our kids learn teamwork, responsibility, ethics, integrity, how to win gracefully and also suffer losses with that same grace. This is a very positive move for our programs.”
The committee currently only needs $70,000 to put the project over the top and allow for a contract to be signed in early spring. This is a project with a budget of well over $400,000 and 100 percent of the money has been raised through private donations in the community – as Mason and Coffman both stated, “The community has stepped up.”
“This is an extremely safe playing surface and when people think about the cost, they are probably not considering the cost of the maintenance that keeps a grass field in playing shape. Those are obviously costs that we would no longer have,” Mason and Coffman said.
The committee is asking for the community to help push the project down the field and across the goal line so to speak with financial support. Donors at specific levels of contribution will be recognized with a plaque at Stewart Field. This project will also include other stadium renovations that will improve the overall facility.
“Stewart Field has a rich history and tradition of fielding great teams, players and coaches. It is this legacy that we want to continue for this wonderful community,” Mason and Coffman said.
Coshocton City Schools Superintendent Dr. David Hire said, “I applaud and support the efforts and vision of this group to help improve and enhance our community through the renovation and upgrade of our athletic facilities. This is not simply a school improvement project, but it is a community enhancement effort at a time when district funds are not available to make improvements on this scale. I am encouraged that a group of community members have identified a need within our city, and have the passion and are empowered to find a solution that will benefit our community for many years to come.”
To make a donation to the turf project at Stewart Field, you can call 740-502-4052 or 740-610-4171. You can also e-mail bjmason16@yahoo.com or thad@noveltyadv.com.
mark@coshoctoncountybeacon.com
Category: High School, Sports
