Process of installing fields,
dome not transparent

In August 2008, Hinsdale Township High School District 86 Board of Education members approved a $4 million bond issue to install outdoor artificial turf and renovate main entrances at Hinsdale Central and Hinsdale South high schools.

While $4 million is a lot to spend in this teetering economic environment, many taxpayers generally supported the rationale that the fields would be a “community asset” and the entrances more secure.

Now we know that the winning bid for the fields came in at north of $3.7 million, and that this excludes a 5 percent cost overrun contingency and debt servicing.

So there was no money left for the main entrances.

In fact, the turf will cost taxpayers closer to $5 million. The funds are derived from working cash bonds, not trees.

Lately, a private investment group announced it wants to erect a dome over one new field, at Central, and rent out time from November through April.

This is contrary to the board’s stated goal of new turf to “expand opportunities for students.”
Instead, the proposal calls for the domed field to be controlled by investors, who would prohibit student and team access on weekday evenings and Saturday mornings.

Do the new turf fields still represent “community assets?”

Meanwhile, the board is pursuing the dome option without having publicly addressed issues including Village of Hinsdale zoning requirements, water detention, safety of domed structures, liability, security, restrooms, traffic/parking and electrical services.

This process has been no more transparent than the thick membrane of a sports dome.

Steve Woodward, Burr Ridge