Brookfield school officials are investigating whether there is grant money available to install artificial turf to the soccer field/track complex at the school, Supt. Toby Gibson told the school board Feb. 16.
Board member Jerry Necastro said he supported the effort.
“I always see us a little higher than Newton Falls,” he said. “When Newton Falls has the ability to have stuff like that, I don’t see why we shouldn’t either. Our kids should have the best, also.”
Gibson noted that it’s possible the turf could be applied in such a way that many sports could use the field, including baseball and softball, and Necastro said Gannon University in Erie has a multi-sport turf field complex.
The field also could be used for community events, Gibson said.
Curt Benner approached the board in 2018 about building a multi-sport athletic complex at the school with an artificial surface. At that time, he gave an estimate of $1.5 to 3 million. The board gave Benner his blessing, but officials later said the time was not right.
Gibson said he’s not sure what funding sources are being looked at, but noted that there could be a fundraising campaign at some point to help with the effort.