An area behind Livingston High School may be home to a new field, according to information shared during the Tuesday, October 19, Board of Education meeting.One of the areas identified by the Fields Committee as a potential turf field location is “the pit,” said business administrator Steven Robinson. The pit is located in the back area behind the LHS football field, between the field and Littel People’s Park.If the Board is interested, he said, the district would develop bid documents to get an estimate of the cost, Robinson said.There is no commitment, and he suggested that the project be placed in the 2022-23 school budget.Funding for the field would come from the district’s capital reserve account, “which will allow this project to be completed at no cost to the taxpayers,” Robinson said.Since there are currently worldwide supply chain delays, the timeline for completion is unclear.“We are not asking for a vote tonight,” Robinson said, but he encouraged the Board to act soon, to get in line for supplies.Anthony Gianforcaro, the architect and engineer whose firm built the parking lot next to the Administration building several years ago, explained that the proposed field has many potential uses.“Seven sports can be played in this location: boys lacrosse; girls lacrosse; field hockey; soccer; football (by bringing in temporary goalposts); baseball; and softball. It could also be used by the Marching Band, and would have a short left field that could be used for discus throwing and shotput.The district is pursuing this location in large part because it owns it, and because nearby fields currently have lights, Robinson said.“This makes the high school complex complete, you have three fields next to it.”Robinson declined to estimate the anticipated cost before going out to bid. Board member Pam Chirls asked about the percentage of capital reserve the project would take.Cognizant of the impact on neighbors, Gianforcaro proposed six LED light poles, with no spillage off the field, and advised the use of curfews.The Board members agreed that the project is of interest and look forward to seeing it. “I’m thrilled about the possibility of this project going forward,” commented member Ronnie Konner. “This is something that has been discussed over a period of years.”“I’m very supportive of us continuing to explore this and hopefully it coming to fruition,” said vice president Seth Cohen, who also sits on the field committee.Results of a wetland study, which was ...
