Letter to the Editor: Gretchen Pingel--Children Deserve a Natural Grass Field
Dec. 10, 2014:
To the Editor:
The residents of Bronxville are being asked by the board of education to vote on a $2.2 million plan to install synthetic turf on Hayes Field. Many residents have expressed concern about the environmental and health effects of having an additional synthetic turf field, as well as resistance to the loss of a natural grass play area for the students and community.
A great natural grass field that holds up to lots of play is possible. The Almstead Tree, Shrub, and Lawn Care Co. recently provided a report on what it would take to transform Hayes Field from the neglected, muddy, and uneven surface which we now have into a well-maintained and durable natural turf field.
Some of the techniques that Almstead recommends for Hayes Field are regrading, the use of specialty rye grasses, sod secured with player-safe staples while roots are being established, frequent core aeration, and re-seeding.
The preliminary estimate for the up-front cost to prepare Hayes Field starting in June for use in September is $95,000 to $150,000. A high-end estimate of $30,000 per year for ongoing maintenance would include re-sodding all worn areas up to three to four times a year as needed.
The FEMA flood mitigation plan includes resurfacing Hayes Field with natural turf at no extra cost. Why not invest our efforts (and far less money) into maintaining a natural turf field using state-of-the-art techniques before we cover the whole surface in plastic?
Our children and our community deserve a natural grass field.
Gretchen Pingel
Bronxville, New York
Editor's note: MyhometownBronxville does not fact-check statements in letters to the editor, and the opinions do not necessarily reflect the thinking of its staff. Its objective in publishing letters to the editor is to give air to diverse thoughts and opinions of residents in the community.
Letters Directory
Bronxville is a quaint village (one square mile) located just 16 miles north of midtown Manhattan (roughly 30 minutes on the train) and has a population of approximately 6,500. It is known as a premier community with an excellent public school (K-12) and easy access to Manhattan. Bronxville offers many amenities including an attractive business district, a hospital (Lawrence Hospital), public paddle and tennis courts, fine dining at local restaurants, two private country clubs and a community library.
While the earliest settlers of Bronxville date back to the first half of the 18th century, the history of the modern suburb of Bronxville began in 1890 when William Van Duzer Lawrence purchased a farm and commissioned the architect, William A. Bates, to design a planned community of houses for well-known artists and professionals that became a thriving art colony. This community, now called Lawrence Park, is listed on the National register of Historic Places and many of the homes still have artists’ studios. A neighborhood association within Lawrence Park called “The Hilltop Association” keeps this heritage alive with art shows and other events for neighbors.
Bronxville offers many charming neighborhoods as well as a variety of living options for residents including single family homes, town houses, cooperatives and condominiums. One of the chief benefits of living in “the village” is that your children can attend the Bronxville School.
The Bronxville postal zone (10708, known as “Bronxville PO”) includes the village of Bronxville as well as the Chester Heights section of Eastchester, parts of Tuckahoe and the Lawrence Park West, Cedar Knolls, Armour Villa and Longvale sections of Yonkers. Many of these areas have their own distinct character. For instance, the Armour Villa section has many historic homes and even has its own newsletter called “The Villa Voice” which reports on neighborhood news.
Village of Bronxville Administrative Offices
337-6500
Open 9:00am - 4pm excluding holidays and weekends
Bronxville Police Department
337-0500
Open 24 hours
Bronxville Parking Violations
337-2024
Open 9:00am - 4pm excluding holidays and weekends
Bronxville Fire Deparment
793-6400
Letters Recent Articles
Quick Links
Newsletter
MyhometownBroxnville reserves the right to monitor and remove all comments. For more information on Posting Rules, please review our Rules and Terms of Use, both of which govern the use and access of this site. Thank you.
The information presented here is for informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to present accurate information, myhometownBronxville, LLC, does not in any way accept responsibility for the accuracy of or consequences from the use of this information herein. We urge all users to independently confirm any information provided herein and consult with an appropriate professional concerning any material issue of fact or law. The views and opinions expressed by the writers, event organizers and advertisers do not necessarily represent those of myhometownBronxville, LLC, its officers, staff or contributors. The use of this website is governed by the Terms of Use . No portion of this publication may be reproduced or redistributed, either in whole or part, without the express written consent of the publisher.
Copyright © 2009 myhometownbronxville.com, All rights reserved.