Poolesville speakers and boosters press MCPS for artificial turf, citing durability and access
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Summary
Poolesville town and athletic boosters urged the Board of Education to approve synthetic turf at Poolesville High School, arguing turf would reduce cancellations, lower maintenance costs and expand equitable community access. Testimony also urged MCPS to coordinate rental policies so lower-income youth groups can use upgraded fields.
Representatives from Poolesville and county athletic boosters urged the Montgomery County Board of Education to include an artificial turf field for Poolesville High School in the CIP, describing benefits for playability, durability and community access.
Poolesville speakers described current challenges with natural grass fields: weather-related cancellations, high recurring maintenance costs, and lost playing time when heavy use forces field closures. "Transitioning to an artificial field offers numerous advantages," a Poolesville spokesperson said, listing year-round playability, durability for multiple teams and lower maintenance costs.
Mark Farrow, president of the MCPS Athletic Booster, told the board that turf fields make it easier to open facilities to community groups and youth leagues, which he said is an equity issue because lower‑income teams often cannot afford expensive rentals at high‑quality stadiums. "You don't have that problem. You can open the fields up to all kinds of groups," Farrow said.
Speakers and several PTA and civic representatives asked the board and MCPS staff to clarify policies on community use, fees and scheduling. Board members and staff said the county's Community Use of Public Facilities (CUPF) processes and a proposed follow-up work session will address usage patterns, hours, reimbursements and how maintenance costs are managed.
Poolesville advocates also acknowledged site-specific installation issues, including special drainage and stormwater management needs at Poolesville that could raise incremental costs; MCPS staff said those technical matters will be part of project design and budgeting if the project is approved.
No formal board decision was made at the hearing; staff said the CIP proposal will be part of the Nov. 20 board business meeting and further work sessions before final budget action.