by Sarah Boyle and Aidan Denahy
Now that the bond vote has been approved, many are wondering when the projects are going to begin.
Irvington voters approved the bond proposal for the replacement of the track and installation of artificial turf on Meszaros Field, which cost upwards of 4.6 million dollars. The bond also included replacement of the all of the gym’s lights to LED and renovation of the “dust bowl” between the Campus Gym and Middle School. All of these new installations are meant to lead to a more student and environmentally friendly school system.
Dr. Harrison, the superintendent of schools, stated, “The replacement of [the] track and installation of artificial turf will commence during the summer of 2015.”
The infrastructure projects will begin in the summer of 2015, yet it is unclear when they will be completed, as contracts have not been awarded yet.
The East Field renovation will also begin in the summer of 2015, but according to Dr. Harrison, “It will not be playable for 2-3 growing seasons.”
The administration is preparing a plan in case these projects are not completed by the end of the summer, which would leave the teams with nowhere to practice or play. Dr. Harrison assured ,“Mr. McCormack will develop a contingency schedule for fall athletics and PE classes to accommodate any delays in the opening of Meszaros Field and Oley Track. This may include some games and practices being scheduled at alternate locations (in and out of Irvington).”
Some students are happy about the new improvements to our facilities. “I love the new track; I’m ecstatic about being able to use it during gym,” said sophomore Jacob Gyory.
Other students aren’t so happy. “I think it’s too much money and we don’t need it. We could have just redone the grass field,” argued junior Dylan Owen.
