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Assistant Principal for Athletics and Activities Paul Spiewak, along with members of the high school faculty and coaching staff, delivered a detailed athletic field improvement proposal to the Board during their regular meeting on October 18. This presentation represents a continuation of a conversation that began in August of 2008, when Superintendent Dr. Timothy J. Quinn presented the Board with an Athletics Facilities Feasibility Study at a public meeting. That conversation is now focused on the possibility of pursuing a capital project that would include the installation of two synthetic turf fields on the MHS campus, including a stadium field and multi-purpose field.
During the presentation, Methacton's Director of Business Services, Denis McCall, informed the Board that given the low municipal interest rates and recent savings from bond refinancings, the cost of this capital project could be funded entirely without an increase in taxes. A table that outlines the district's overall debt service was included.Currently, the overuse of existing Methacton School District athletic fields, coupled with an ever-increasing demand for more access, has created an environment that is overwhelmed and unsustainable. Nineteen fall and fifteen spring Methacton High School sports, as well as a multitude of other groups including physical education classes, the marching band and community associations, make use of the athletic fields. The District seeks to rectify this problem by installing synthetic turf on two fields, and constructing a concession stand, restroom facility and pathways for the community members.
The purpose of this proposal is to make significant improvements to the Methacton High School athletic facilities, in order to bring these facilities up to the standard of excellence that the community has come to expect from the Methacton School District. In 1964, Methacton High School saw its first class graduate. The size of the campus today is just as it was then. Over the past 47 years, the district has made use of nearly every square foot of available grassy playing area. But a great deal more has changed. The number of outdoor athletes has increased by more than 400%. These figures do not include the many hundreds of Arcola students that utilize our playing fields in addition to the high school teams.
Here’s a look atOUTDOOR SPORTS
1964
Vs.
OUTDOOR SPORTS
2011
Football
40
Football
101
Cheerleading
10
Cheerleading
38
Boys' Cross-Country
9
Boys' Cross-Country
36
Field Hockey
28
Girls' Cross-Country
29
Boys' Soccer
34
Field Hockey
50
Baseball
20
Boys' Soccer
64
Boys' Track and Field
Girls' Soccer
36
Boys' Tennis
7
Baseball
50
Boys' Lacrosse
48
Girls' Lacrosse
57
Softball
39
Boys' Track and Field
67
Girls' Track and Field
59
Total Athletes
167
Total Athletes
674
Community Use of MHS Fields
External organizations also utilize the fields in the spring, summer and fall seasons. Annual use by organization includes the Methacton Athletic Association (baseball), YMCA (field hockey),
