Turfs Up: Efforts to Improve Dayton's Athletic Fields Gain Momentum

This was a high profile week for the Springfield Athletic Turf Foundation. The Jonathan Dayton High School student bonfire brought attention to the school's sports teams, some of which would benefit from a turf field. And on Wednesday and Thursday night, the group held a fundraiser at T.G.I. Friday's on Rte. 22 where 20 percent of the checks of participating patrons were directed towards the effort to turf Springfield's athletic fields.

The final tally for the T.G.I. Friday's benefit isn't yet known. But the event definitely succeeded in one important way; continuing the momentum of the movement to turf the athletic fields at Jonathan Dayton High School. The Bulldog's sports teams have already had notable success this year. Dayton's soccer team winning the Group 1 state championship and the school's football team making the playoffs for the first time since 1988, a number of residents believe it's the right time to seriously improve the field.

"There's a good buzz in town about the turf field because of football and the soccer team winning in the sectionals," Phillip Iuliano, a Springfield parent who has been instrumental in Turf Springfield, said.

Like many Springfield residents, Iuliano believes  the school's fields don't do its teams teams justice.

 "We do have quality sports teams," Iuliano said. "The problem is that we don't have adequate fields."

Iuliano, the President and General Manager of Victory Soccer Academy, said the athletic fields at Dayton don't drain well, which is a particular problem in a flood-prone town like Springfield. Iuliano said rainwater collects in the field's divets and holes. Turf Springfield members estimate the Turf field will cost $1.5 million. The plan include a drainage system, bleachers that can accommodate 250 spectators, lights for night games and other features.

Springfield resident Dino DiCocco, who is spearheading the fundraising effort, said he hopes to be able to create a turf field without drawing on taxpayer money. He said fundraisers like this week's TGI Friday's event will carry the initial costs, such as hiring an engineer (they have been working with Michael Disko of Kenilworth) and ensuring the plans are compliant with state and municipal laws.

They are looking for private funding for the main part of building the field. They are offering rivate donors the chance to have their names on bricks, plaques and certificates for donations ranging from $75 to $1,000. In addition, the SATF hopes a significant part of the bill will be picked up by corporate sponsors.

"Certainly, the naming of the field is going to be a big part of that," DiCocco said. "That could be up to three quarters of the cost."

For more information, visits Turf Springfield's Web site.