The Jackson County Turf Project Committee is kicking off a fundraising effort to replace the natural grass field at Blevins Memorial stadium with superior synthetic turf.
Filled with many rich traditions, Blevins Memorial Stadium is one of the oldest facilities in the state of Indiana. Memories are made in Blevins stadium, and a sense of community pride abounds. Anyone who has ever sat in the stadium or stood on the field of our stadium knows the sense of Brownstown Central pride.
We would like to build a facility that will make the Brownstown Central community and Jackson County proud. Our outstanding school system, students and faculty, and our supportive residents deserve the best opportunities we can provide. Our mission is to raise private funds {we will not use any school corporation funds} to improve Blevins Memorial stadium for the benefit of our children and our community.
The committee would like to invite you to take ownership in the Turf Project. It is a chance to join us in our effort to raise the stadium to a new level of excellence. Because many groups will benefit greatly for years from this improvement, we encourage the entire Jackson County community to support this fundraising drive.
ALL DONATIONS ARE TAX DEDUCTABLE
Why Synthetic Turf?
1} Improve Parking at the High School-With the addition of a turf field, the football team would not use a portion of the present practice facility. This would open up an area that could be used for much needed parking.
2} Accessibility- At the end of the season we run into a problem of where to practice. If we have bad weather our practice field is either under water or in poor shape, which could lead to injuries. Because of this we either have to practice on the game field or use the auxiliary gym. If we use the game field we could damage the field, which could hurt the condition of the field for a home tournament game. If we use the gym than the basketball team either practices later or does not practice, which hurts their program. With a turf field we would practice on the turf. Also other groups would benefit, including the high school band, the high school & middle school physical education classes, school clubs, community groups, middle school football program and the 56er football program. Baseball and softball could also practice on the turf if they are unable to practice on their diamonds due to poor weather.
3} Safety- A consistent playing surface and low G-Max rating [a measurement of the shock absorbing properties of synthetic turf] is essential for a safe playing surface. Sure footing is key to preventing any type of foot, ankle and leg injuries, and a flat and consistent synthetic system can provide that type of surface, whereas grass fields have divots and develop ruts. The G-Max rating is an important testing process for the final completion of a synthetic turf system. The proper G-Max rating will provide a safer playing surface to reduce the risk of head injuries as well.
4} Environmental Impacts- By installing synthetic turf, some environmental benefits are gained such as reduced amounts of water and eliminations of fertilizers and gas-driven lawnmowers, all of which are needed to maintain natural grass fields. In addition, the new generation of artificial turf uses rubber granules made from recycled tires mixed in with sand as an infill material underneath the synthetic turf. Tire disposal has become a major problem for landfills in the United States and efforts to recycle this material are encouraged.
5} Opportunity- Because of its durability, turf can be used more often, thus generating the possibility of income through rental fees. Having a synthetic turf field creates more economic opportunities for Brownstown Central High School and the Jackson County Community.
6} First Class Facility- The addition of a synthetic turf field would make us the first public 2A school in the state to have a turf field. If you have not seen a turf field you could go to the schools that are listed below or to the websites that I have listed.
7} Smart Investment- Natural grass fields are not as durable, which limits hours of usage. In addition, maintenance expenses can reach upwards of $20,000 annually. The yearly savings will be allocated to other school projects.
A partial list of high schools in Indiana currently using a synthetic surface or are in the process of getting a turf field:
Columbus East Columbus North Carmel Center Grove
Park Tudor Indpls. Cathedral Warren Central Noblesville
Lafayette Jeff Homestead Portage Avon
Heritage Christian Ben Davis Roncalli Franklin
Bloomington South Bloomington North Indpls. North Central Pike
Hamilton Sotheastern Fishers Plainfield
More Information
Anyone interested in helping the Jackson County Turf Project committee can contact the following people:
Reed May Jerry Brown
Head Football Coach President Football Alumni Association
{812} 498-3258 {cell} {812} 216-0558 {cell}
{812} 358-5610 {home} {812} 358-3960 {home}
Mary Ann Spray Scott Butt
P.O.P.S. Club treasurer Football Alumni Association
{812} 525-8439 {cell} {812} 525-9190 {cell}
{812] 358-5973 {home} {812} 358-5374 {home}
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