Welcome

Welcome to the Field For Our Future website. One of our main Goals will bring current State of the Art Field Turf to the Recreation Athletic fields in the Bath, Maine area and provide a more Safe and Enjoyable environment for our children! The Athletic fields directly support the community and neighboring towns.

What’s the latest news on the Turf Field? The opponents of Council’s Decision to approve the loan (twice) have collected 1111 signatures to over turn that decision. Although not verified by the City Clerk to be all valid, it is very likely that there will be the 755 needed to send this back to Bath City Council. It is very clear that this group would like to stop the city funding or even stop the whole project. Please contact you councilor and let them know your thoughts.

What’s the BIGEST news on the Turf Field? We have currently raised over $270,000 privately for the turf project. We have also accepted a challenge to raise an additional $50,000 for RSU #1 Jobs for Maine Graduates Program that is being privately matched. That’s $100,000 directly in our school department that was privately raised.  We continue to be committed to raising funds for the both projects

There is a lot of confusing information out there. Lets try to clear up some of the questions.

• How much money has the group raised so far for the project?
  • We have currently raised over $270,000 privately for the turf project. We have also accepted a challenge to raise an additional $50,000 for RSU #1 Jobs for Maine Graduates Program that is being privately matched. That’s $100,000 directly in our school department that was privately raised.  We continue to be committed to raising funds for the both projects.
• Is a synthetic surface safe for my kids to play on?
  • The simple answer is yes, today’s artificial turf has come a long way from the old astro turf that lots of folks reference. We encourage you to do your own research on the latest generation of turf. There is a lot of information out there, look for the information that’s independent from any particular groups.
• Are my taxes going up to make this project happen?
  • No, your taxes are not going up to make this happen. Bath City Council has approved twice a $300,000 loan to start the installation. The loan is to be paid back through the Recreation Division of the Parks & Recreation Department. In fact the Recreation Division has already turned in its budget request with a ZERO increase for tax appropriation.
• How can the Recreation Division pay back the loan without increasing my taxes?
  • As it has been presented many times in public the revenues generated from the turf field itself will pay for the project. A $300,000 loan paid back over the next ten years will be approximately $35,000 per year. Here is the breakdown;
    • $7,500 will be generated in new rental revenue.
    • $7,500 will be generated in new and current recreation programs, athletic tournaments and festivals, and also a partnership with the Boosters organization.
    • The RSU#1 Capital Project Assessment will stay the same as last year and throughout the life of this project of $14,800. This is an assessment the RSU contributes to the capital improvements of the athletic facilities.
    • Lastly there is a $5,000 savings in material that is used to maintain a natural grass field, fertilizers, lining paint, and water.
• Is this project just a luxury?
  • Many folks want you believe that this is merely a luxury. The reality is there is a major shortage of athletic facilities. All of the City’s athletic facilities are used by multiple sports. McMann Field is only used as a game field in order to preserve the quality of turf. It is currently used only 200 hours per year. This project will allow the usage to increase to 2000 hours. That means, almost always there will be an outdoor athletic facility that can be used by athletes, physical education classes and the public. This also will allow spring sports to start outdoor practices earlier and get out of the gyms or off the parking lots.
• What else is the benefit to Bath and the surrounding area?
  • This field will attract many events, state tournaments, and sporting festivals. These events bring thousands of people to Bath and the area. We are committed to working with Main Street Bath in promoting area businesses. Many of these folks will stay, shop and eat in Bath.
• Is there a savings to the City or a reduction in taxes if this project does not happen?
  • No, this is a stand alone project. It did not take the place of any other City priority nor will there be any tax savings if it does not happen.
• How can I contribute, get involved, or just find out more information?
  • You can contact Brad Walfield, Fields For Our Future Co-Chair 443-8042 or the Steve Balboni, Director of Parks & Recreation 443-8360.

Thank you for visiting our website, please have an open mind and do your own research.

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