FAQ

The project is viewed as a Strategic Investment in Chester’s Future, aimed at strengthening the community and investing in students. The goal is to build Chester's future together by investing responsibly in the growth of the schools and community.

The proposed Interscholastic Athletic Facility will provide a safe, modern space for athletics, physical education, wellness, and school and community events — right on our campus between Chester Elementary School and Chester Academy. Currently, track practices take place in parking lots, and our football and soccer teams must travel off-site to play and practice. A district-owned facility with a single point of entry will bring safety and security measures in line with our established protocols, enhance student accessibility and school pride, and create new opportunities for all students—while also serving as a welcoming space for families and the entire Chester community.
 

This project matters because it focuses on improving safety, expanding access, and creating opportunities for everyone — from our students, staff, families to our community members. Furthermore, improvements in school facilities benefit the broader community by helping to maintain and enhance neighborhood desirability, which helps protect property values for all homeowners. It is intended to be a lasting investment that benefits every resident.

The facility is designed to be open to all residents, offering safe, lighted pathways to access the track and field available for walking and fitness, serving as an accessible alternative to wooded trails. It will also support graduations, school ceremonies, and community events.

The project aligns by prioritizing safety and security throughout schools and facilities, creating connections that bring our schools and community together, and expands opportunities for students, staff, families, and the community.

The design includes:

• Multi-purpose turf athletic field situated within an eight-lane competition track.
• Dedicated event areas for steeplechase, pole vault, long jump, triple jump, and high jump, shot put and discus built to meet competitive standards.
• Field house with team locker rooms, public restrooms, secure storage, and a dedicated space for team meetings and half-time strategy sessions.
• Grandstand and tiered seating for spectators.
• Press box to support game-day operations, media coverage, and event coordination.
• Concession stand to serve spectators and enhance the game-day/event experience.
• Professional-grade lighting, scoreboard, PA, and sound system to support day and evening events.
• A storage building for athletic and maintenance equipment
• Perimeter fencing designed to enhance safety, security, and controlled access for athletes, spectators, and staff.

The project team is composed of LAN Associates, The LA Group, and Triton Construction, each bringing specialized expertise to ensure accuracy, quality, and efficiency throughout the planning process:

• LAN Associates – A full-service architecture and engineering firm founded in 1965. LAN provides all services in-house, ensuring seamless coordination across disciplines, and developed the 3D model of the Field House and Storage Building.
• The LA Group – A landscape architecture and engineering firm with experience designing over 200 athletic facilities. The LA Group collaborated on the site design and developed the final conceptual site plan.
• Triton Construction – Serving as an independent third-party construction cost estimator, Triton provides expert input on site logistics, project phasing, and budget analysis. Their role is especially critical, as this project involves raw land development rather than typical school facility construction.  A detailed analysis of the design and project scope resulted in district savings of $2M on the total project cost.

The  (~3,200 s.f.) field house will include team rooms, public restrooms, an athletic trainer’s room and a concession stand.

• Supporting infrastructure will include:
•  Grandstand seating for approximately 500 spectators, with an additional tiered seating area for about 250 fans who prefer an alternative viewing location.
• A concession stand to serve spectators and enhance the overall game-day experience with opportunities to support fundraising.
•  A press box to support game-day operations, media coverage, and event coordination.
• Professional-grade lighting, scoreboard, public address, and sound systems to support both day and evening events.
• A lit pedestrian pathway connecting the field to Chester Academy, providing safe access for attendees.
• An ADA-compliant alternate path from Chester Elementary School, designed to accommodate access to the site and serve as an emergency vehicle route, not intended for general public use.

The District selected a synthetic turf field because it offers several key advantages over natural grass for a public school setting. A turf field provides a consistent, even, and safe playing surface that remains usable even after rain, reducing cancellations and field closures. It can withstand frequent use by multiple teams and physical education classes, making it a more durable and cost-effective long-term investment.
Additionally, synthetic turf requires significantly less maintenance and water, supporting both environmental sustainability and operational efficiency.

We value our strong partnership with the Town of Chester and appreciate the use of their facilities, which provide important opportunities for recreation and community programming. The Town Park plays a vital role in supporting local activities and giving students a place to play; however, it is not district property and was not designed to meet the safety, supervision, and accessibility standards required for school athletics and physical education.

The proposed Interscholastic Athletic Facility would be located on District-owned land between Chester Academy and Chester Elementary School, creating a secure, multipurpose field and track facility designed specifically for student use. It would include a single controlled entry point, on-site supervision, and emergency response systems aligned with school safety protocols.

In addition to supporting interscholastic athletics, physical education, and school events at the same level as surrounding districts, the new facility would also offer a well-lit track and space for community events. Together, these spaces complement one another — strengthening both school programs and community recreation opportunities for all who call Chester home.

The total cost of the Capital Project is $26,954,407 and is being strategically funded to minimize local taxpayer impact. The project leverages $6 million from the voter-approved 2022 Capital Reserve and an estimated $6.6 million in New York State Building Aid.
The $6 million in reserve funds was already set aside for this purpose, reducing the amount that needs to be financed. With 65.6% of eligible costs covered by State Building Aid, the local taxpayer share is reduced by approximately 25%, representing a fiscally responsible investment in the future of our students and community.

There will be NO IMPACT TO 2026-2027 TAXES. The project uses a 16-year maturity schedule (1 year BAN and 15 Year BOND), with the average marginal increase for taxpayers scheduled for years 2028–2043.

A well-planned, district-owned facility will significantly reduce recurring rental, transportation, and maintenance costs currently associated with using off-site locations. In addition to these long-term savings, a modern athletic facility can enhance community appeal and positively influence local property values. The facility will also create opportunities to host competitive events and community activities, which can generate revenue to help offset operational costs, all in accordance with District Policy. This project represents a strategic investment today to strengthen Chester’s future for generations to come.

The anticipated lifespan of synthetic turf is 10-12 years before requiring synthetic turf replacement. The athletic field lighting should have a lifespan of 120,000 hours before a 1% depreciation of light output. Musco Lighting offers a 25-year warranty, and the warranty covers all parts and service for 25 years. There are no industry standards for the replacement cycle of a sound system. The contractor installing the sound system will be required to provide a one-year warranty after installation. Individual components will be warranted by the manufacturer’s. The school district will plan for critical obsolescence and/or end of life just like any other equipment installed in the school district.

The District’s Five-Year Facilities Plan is a state-required planning document submitted to and available through the New York State Education Department (NYSED). It outlines all identified facility needs, maintenance priorities, and potential capital projects over the next several years.
The proposed Interscholastic Athletic Facility Capital Project is included in this plan and reflects our commitment to strategic, future-focused facility planning. While the plan lists every possible project that may occur, many represent long-range considerations rather than immediate expenditures. Most current projects are related to repairs and maintenance, as existing systems and equipment have not yet reached the end of their useful life.
The District has already budgeted for expected expenses within the next five years through voter-approved Capital Reserve funds, allowing for responsible planning without impacting the general operating budget. The current capital project qualifies for New York State Building Aid, which will offset local taxpayer costs.

The project timeline from design to completion is currently set for October 2027, with a fallback completion date of June 2028 to allow flexibility for potential weather-related delays or other unforeseen impacts.
The planned timeline involves several phases:
• Design: January 2026 – June 2026 (~5 Months).
• Permitting: Summer 2026 (~3 Months).
• Bidding/Contracts: September 16, 2026 – November 9, 2026 (8 Weeks).
• Construction: November 2026 – June 2028 (15 Months – 19 Months).
The Target Substantial Completion Date is October 2027, with a Fallback Completion Date of June 2028
Factors that could influence the 15- to 19-month construction timeline include the NYSED permitting duration, project start date, weather conditions, and the required tree-felling window (Nov. 1 – March 31).

A State Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (SPEDES) permit and an approved Stormwater Prevention Pollution Plan (SWPPP) are required from NYS DEC prior to construction.  During construction, the school district will need to retain a SWPPP inspector to perform routine inspections, document findings and enforce compliance with the SWPPP approved by the NYS DEC. The State is not involved after construction, however the district will need to maintain installed stormwater devices.

The facility will be developed on approximately 20 acres of undeveloped land adjacent to Chester Elementary School and Chester Academy on Hambletonian Avenue. This land was acquired by the Chester UFSD from the Town of Chester.
The site’s location provides connectivity between both campuses and allows for the shared use of utilities, parking, and vehicular access, helping to minimize overall development costs. While the project site adjoins the Heritage Trail, there will be no public access to the facility from the trail to maintain security and controlled entry.

Yes. The facility will be accessible through a lit pedestrian paved pathway from Chester Academy, less than ¼ mile (1,295 feet) in length—about a five-minute walk — providing a safe and direct route for students, staff, and spectators. An additional ADA-compliant path from Chester Elementary School will be available only for accessible transport and emergency vehicle access and will not serve as a general access route for the public.

The selected site provides an ideal location between Chester Elementary School and Chester Academy, offering direct connectivity between both campuses and shared access to parking and utilities. However, the physical characteristics of the land present limited opportunities for movement of the facility footprint due to the combination of steep topography and protected environmental features.
The property slopes approximately 100 feet from west to east, requiring significant grading, slope stabilization, and the use of retaining walls to create level playing areas. In addition, portions of the site are undevelopable due to the presence of a large wetland and drainage basin, which must remain preserved.
These factors were carefully considered in the site selection and design process and cost considerations, ensuring that the facility is safely engineered, environmentally compliant, and positioned for long-term sustainability and community benefit.

It is important to note the Chester Academy was designed to accommodate 800 – 1,000 visitors each school day. The site is designed to provide adequate parking for school operations, assembly events, and after school activities. It is unlikely the peak use of the proposed athletic facility would coincide with the day-to-day school’s operations and compete for the same use of parking.  Interscholastic competitions are typically scheduled to occur after the dismissal of students from instruction. Consequently, the proposed athletic facility does not require additional parking. 

Ideally, we would have designed a solution with more parking spaces on site that are closer to the proposed athletic facility. However, due to site constraints, such as wetlands, access, and topography, it is technically infeasible to provide additional parking on the newly acquired property. The design of the proposed athletic facility provides seating capacity for  about 500 in the grandstands, 250 on the side terrace and probably another 50 surplus (standing, walking, etc). The design capacity was based on the school district’s desire to host graduation at the new facility.  The anticipated peak use is 800 spectators. For these reasons, we have collectively decided there is adequate parking on the property of the Academy and Elementary School for most major events. At the Academy, the site provides drive lanes for traffic queuing off public roads. The school district has ~360 designated parking spots available at the Academy and another 110 parking spaces at the Elementary School. For most competitions, not every visitor will require a parking space. We typically design parking capacity based on a 1:3 ratio, or one parking space for every 3 spectators.  800/3 = 266 parking spaces. At peak use, some visitors may need to park in undesignated/unmarked spaces, but it’s unlikely during regular use.  At peak use, traffic during a graduation ceremony may require intermunicipal coordination with your police department to mitigate congestion at the entrances to both schools.
 

The Chester Commons is a Town-owned public recreation area, not a district facility. Challenges include:
• Safety and security issues specific to crowd management and open access.
• The fields are not designed for interscholastic play and present challenges with surface hardness and uneven conditions, which increases the risk of player injuries.
• The open layout and multiple access points make it extremely difficult to restrict entry during school activities, creating challenges for supervision, event management, and student safety.
• Multiple entry points and limited visibility make emergency response and crowd control difficult to manage.

Current logistical challenges include transportation logistics and added costs, lack of proper shelter in the event of emergencies, and limited access to restrooms and team facilities. Currently, pre-game, half-time, and post-game meetings for both home and visiting teams occur in open wooded areas.   In addition, extended travel times reduce the time students have available for academic and after-school responsibilities.

The proposed facility addresses challenges by creating a safe, efficient, and welcoming environment through safety & security by design. Key features include:
• A single, secure point of entry.
• Perimeter fencing designed to enhance safety, security, and controlled access.
• A field house providing dedicated home and visiting team spaces, public restrooms, and secure storage.
• Proper lighting and on-site weather shelter.
• Centralizing events on district property to enhance safety, security, and emergency preparedness

The District’s safety plan includes the installation of lighting and emergency call stations along all pedestrian pathways leading to the facility to ensure clear visibility and rapid communication in the event of an emergency.
During evening events or times when multiple activities are occurring simultaneously, additional security personnel will be assigned — similar to current safety procedures for large school events — to help manage parking, traffic flow, and pedestrian movement. These measures are designed to maintain a safe and well-supervised environment for all students, families, and visitors.

The proposed facility is designed to benefit all Chester students—from elementary through high school—not only those involved in athletics or music. It will provide a safe, accessible outdoor environment for physical education, wellness activities, and school-wide gatherings, giving every student opportunities to learn, move, and connect beyond the classroom.
Both Chester Academy and Chester Elementary School students will have access to use the field and track for physical education classes, field days, outdoor learning, and wellness walks, in addition to its use for graduation ceremonies and community events.
Facilities like this are commonly available in surrounding districts across the region, giving students daily access to high-quality outdoor spaces that support physical health and community connection. This project will bring those same experiences to Chester, strengthening school pride, inclusivity, and shared opportunities for all students—whether they participate in athletics, music, or other programs.

The new facility will provide safe, dedicated spaces for all student-athletes to train and compete on campus, eliminating many of the challenges students currently face.
Currently, track and field athletes practice in the Chester Academy parking lot, increasing the risk of shin splints and overuse injuries. Without a proper facility, they are also unable to train for events such as the long jump and other field events, placing them at a competitive disadvantage compared to athletes in other districts.
In addition, transportation to and from off-site practice and competition locations takes away valuable instructional and academic time, creating scheduling challenges for both students and staff. Many student-athletes are not able to participate in certain programs or events due to these time constraints and travel logistics.
During games at The Commons, the football team currently walks into wooded areas at halftime because there is no designated team space for meetings or supervision. The Commons is a recreational facility designed for community use, not to sustain the operational and safety needs of a school district athletic program.
The proposed facility will resolve these issues by providing a safe, accessible, and equitable athletic environment on campus—allowing students to practice, compete, and represent Chester with pride while maintaining strong connections to their academic responsibilities.

The proposed facility will create new opportunities for student musicians, including the concert band and drumline, to perform at school and community events in a safe, accessible, and well-equipped setting.
Currently, performances are limited outdoors due to the lack of an on-campus venue designed for large events. The new field, track, and grandstand will provide a home performance space for music at football games, pep rallies, graduation, and community celebrations—strengthening the connection between music, athletics, and school pride.
The facility’s press box and professional-grade sound system will enhance both performance quality and event coordination. It will also create opportunities for future growth, such as expanding the drumline program or developing a marching or pep band as student interest continues to rise.
This shared space will help ensure that the arts remain a visible and celebrated part of the Chester experience, giving student musicians a place to perform, lead, and inspire.

Yes. In addition to Football, Chester participates in several merged and shadow athletic programs with neighboring districts to expand opportunities for student-athletes.
Merged Programs

• Girls Varsity Lacrosse: Chester hosts between 2 and 4 players from Florida UFSD each season. Chester would have been able to field a team without these additional players during these seasons.
• Boys JV Soccer: Florida UFSD hosts this program, with Chester student-athletes participating as part of the cooperative team.

Shadow Programs

• Boys and Girls Varsity Cross Country: Florida UFSD hosts between 2 and 5 runners from Chester each fall.
• Boys Varsity Swimming: Pine Bush hosts 1 Chester swimmer.
• Girls Varsity Swimming: Goshen hosts 3 Chester swimmers.
• Varsity Boys Wrestling: Chester hosts Tuxedo’s team, though this is not a formal merge since Chester has over 20 wrestlers each season.
• Shooting: Minisink currently hosts 1 Chester shooter; this program will conclude after this fall season.
• Winter and Spring Track and Field: Chester hosts approximately 10 student-athletes each winter and spring season from neighboring districts.

These cooperative and shadow arrangements allow students to participate in a wider range of athletic programs while maintaining each district’s ability to field and manage its own teams when possible.

 No. Partner districts do not contribute to the cost of facility improvements. However, they are responsible for their own league, section, and state dues, as well as insurance and transportation costs for their student-athletes.
In the case of Football, Florida UFSD pays a fee for equipment use and reconditioning, and any lost or damaged equipment is invoiced and reimbursed by Florida UFSD.
From a budget standpoint, these cooperative agreements have no financial impact on the Chester Athletic Department budget, as all related costs are covered by the participating district.

Chester partners only with Florida Union Free School District (UFSD) for Varsity Football. The District has not partnered with Tuxedo for football at the varsity level in several years.
Florida UFSD student-athletes on Chester’s Varsity Football Team:

• 2025–2026: 5 players
• 2024–2025: 4 players
• 2023–2024: 3 players
• 2022–2023: 6 players

Chester typically fields 30 or more of its own varsity players each year, meaning Florida athletes make up approximately 10–15% of the roster annually. The District’s ability to host a team is not dependent on participation from out-of-district players.
At the Modified Football level, Chester occasionally hosts a small number of Seward student-athletes, always fewer than 10, while maintaining a consistent 20+ Chester players each season.

Enrollment projections, based on county and regional population estimates, indicate a stable to slight decrease in student enrollment over the next decade. These projections do not account for potential relocations from outside the area — an upward trend observed since COVID-19, as more families have moved into Orange County.
Having a modern athletic facility that complements Chester’s strong academic programs and community offerings could help attract new families and support continued community growth in the years ahead.

Yes. The District intends for the facility to be available for community use in accordance with District Policy. Usage will follow established safety, scheduling, and supervision guidelines to ensure that school programs and student activities remain the top priority.
The track and field area may be used by the community for walking, fitness activities, and special events such as community celebrations, wellness initiatives, or local ceremonies. These opportunities will allow residents to enjoy the facility while maintaining a safe, secure, and well-managed environment.

While this depends on an adopted District policy, turf fields are often used for the following:

• Physical Education Classes: Turf fields can be used year-round for PE activities, fitness testing, and outdoor learning when grass fields are unavailable due to weather.
• Marching Band Practice and competitions: Provides a durable, lined surface ideal for rehearsals and performances without damaging grass.
• Student Events: Pep rallies, spirit days, and class competitions.
• Graduation Ceremonies: The flat, resilient surface is perfect for hosting commencement events with seating and staging. The stands have been sized to accommodate the occupant load for graduation ceremonies. 
• Community Festivals or Fairs: Turf can support booths, temporary stages, and large crowds without suffering the wear grass would.
• Outdoor Movie Nights or Concerts: Can host large audiences comfortably, often combined with portable seating or blankets.
• Fundraisers and School Events: Walk-a-thons, 5-K’s, or family nights.
• Youth Camps: Summer or after-school programs use the field for a range of recreational and educational activities.
• Special Olympics and Inclusive Events: The even surface is accessible and consistent for participants of all abilities.
• Year-Round Accessibility: The all-weather surface allows activities that would otherwise be canceled or relocated due to rain or muddy conditions.
• Lighting and Scheduling Flexibility: With lights, turf fields can be used safely into the evening, expanding programming hours for both school and community.

The State Environmental Quality Review (SEQR) process is a New York State–mandated environmental review that ensures all potential environmental impacts of a proposed project are carefully evaluated before approval.
As part of this process, the Board of Education (BOE) formally declared itself the Lead Agency and, with the expertise and data provided by The LA Group, conducted a comprehensive review of the proposed Interscholastic Athletic Facility.
The LA Group, a landscape architecture and planning firm with extensive experience in environmental impact studies and athletic facility design, supported the District in compiling data and analysis required under SEQR.
Following this review, the District issued a Negative Declaration, meaning the project was determined to have no significant adverse environmental impacts. This finding allows the project to move forward in full compliance with state environmental regulations.

SERQA does not specifically address heat-island effect. Ambient temperatures within the project area will likely increase due to the development, however, no more than typical construction consisting of pavements, building materials, etc. 

A Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) has not been developed yet. The design is only at a conceptual level. The SWPPP will be developed in accordance with NYS DEC regulations during the design phase of the project. Wetland boundaries were confirmed in the field in coordination with NYS DEC representatives. Based on this field verification, the project will have no direct wetland impacts. A map will be provided for clarification. A permit from the NYS DEC will be required for work within the 100-foot wetland adjacent area, and this permitting process will also be completed during the design phase.
Has a formal traffic impact study been performed, and if so, can it be shared publicly?
A traffic impact study has not been performed as Chester Academy was designed to accommodate 800-1,000 visitors each day and provide adequate parking for school operations, activities and events. We do not anticipate exceeding this daily traffic volume for events.

It is important to note the Chester Academy was originally designed to accommodate 800 – 1,000 visitors each school day. The site is designed to provide adequate parking for school operations, assembly events, and after school activities. Peak-hour traffic volumes will continue to be at the beginning and end of each school day. The school district anticipates routine traffic by visitors during interscholastic competitions that are unlikely to exceed the daily use for routine school operations.
The school district has no authority to manage congestion along Hambletonian or the surrounding streets, and the Chester Academy already accommodates 800 – 1,000 visitors each school day.

No formal post-construction traffic study is planned. However, the District will continue to monitor traffic patterns and safety in collaboration with local law enforcement and emergency services, as is standard practice for all school operations.

The District has not engaged directly with the Town or Orange County Department of Public Works (DPW) regarding roadway capacity or parking control at this stage.
It is important to note that Chester Academy was originally designed to accommodate 800–1,000 visitors each school day, and the site already provides adequate parking to support daily operations, assembly events, and after-school activities. Large events such as graduation are successfully held on-site each year, demonstrating the campus’s ability to safely manage high-volume traffic and parking within existing infrastructure.
Peak-hour traffic volumes will continue to occur primarily at the beginning and end of the school day, and visitor traffic during athletic events is not expected to exceed the levels routinely experienced during major school events like graduation. While the District does not have authority to manage congestion along Hambletonian Avenue or surrounding streets, the existing site design and access points are sufficient to support routine and event-related traffic flow.

The Habitat Assessment found that the site is a potential bat habitat, offering ample fragmented forest cover for roosting, migration, and hibernation. This finding influences the tree felling schedule, which is restricted to the window between Nov. 1 and March 31. The site was not identified as a potential habitat for the Bog Turtle.  The full feasibility study report and SEQR findings are included on the website.

The district chose a synthetic turf field because of the many advantages it has over a natural turf field for a public school district. It will provide an even, safe playing surface even after rain, can be played on more frequently, is more durable, requires less maintenance and water.

Synthetic turf provides increased field availability, reduced maintenance, and consistent playing conditions throughout the year. It also allows multiple sports and community groups to use the field without concern for weather-related closures or field resting time.

The turf system typically lasts 8–12 years, depending on usage and maintenance.  Only the turf carpet and infill are renewed; the base and drainage typically remain intact. The underlying stone base and drainage system can last 25–30 years and can be reused when the turf surface “carpet” is replaced.
What types of infill materials are available, and what are their pros and cons?
Common infills include:

• Crumb Rubber: Durable, proven performance, but concerns about heat and perception.
• Coated Sand or TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer): Cleaner and cooler alternatives, higher cost.
• Organic Infill (e.g., cork, coconut fiber): More environmentally friendly but can require more maintenance and moisture management.

Synthetic turf can be 30–40°F hotter than natural grass in direct sunlight. Cooling infills, light-colored turf fibers, and misting systems can help reduce surface temperature.

Routine testing of G-max (impact attenuation) and infill depth ensures the field remains safe for athletes. 

Many manufacturers now offer recycling programs to reclaim infill and turf fibers, reducing landfill waste.  New York State's Carpet Collection Program Law (https://dec.ny.gov/environmental-protection/recycling-composting/carpet) bans manufacturers from using PFAS in artificial turf and other carpets after Dec. 31, 2026, and requires them to participate in a turf collection program.

With the assistance of our design professional, the school district has evaluated environmental and health risks associated with the use of synthetic turf.
Health risk assessments of synthetic turf are ongoing and inconclusive.
Studies found no conclusive evidence that synthetic turf fields are more dangerous as it relates to impact injuries. Synthetic turf fields are designed and tested to evaluate impact attenuation. This test is known as GMax testing. GMax testing determines how well the synthetic turf absorbs impact forces. Natural grass fields are not tested for impact attenuation. In the absence of well-funded, proper maintenance, natural grass fields can be compacted, resulting in a harder surface which can increase the risk of impact injuries such as concussions. 
Some studies indicate that synthetic turf fields have a higher likelihood of causing non-contact joint injuries. However, the likelihood of non-contact injuries occurring to athletes can increase when playing on inadequate or improperly maintained natural grass surfaces.

The most significant health concern is likely heat stress related to the elevated surface temperatures of synthetic turf which can be mitigated by not playing on the surface during high temperatures and competing on alternative locations when temperatures are too high. Chester UFSD could choose to relocate competitions to natural grass fields if heat poses a health risk.
Studies on Injuries:

• In 2011 a study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine examined the impact of third generation artificial turf versus natural grass on injuries in soccer players. It concluded, “No significant differences were detected in injury rate or pattern between 3GAT and NG in Norwegian male professional football.”
• In August of 2013 the American Journal of Sports Medicine published a study on the Incidence, Mechanisms, and Severity of Match-Related Collegiate Women's Soccer Injuries on FieldTurf and Natural Grass Surfaces. It concluded, “Although similarities existed between FieldTurf and natural grass during competitive match play, FieldTurf is a practical alternative when comparing injuries in collegiate women’s soccer. It must be reiterated that the findings of this study may be generalizable to only collegiate competition and this specific artificial surface.” 
• A study on a common soccer-related repetitive stress injury published in the American Journal of Sports Medicine in 2011 concluded “exposure to artificial turf did not increase the prevalence or incidence of injury.” 
• A 2010 study of injury risk on artificial turf and grass in youth soccer players concluded “there was no difference in the overall risk of acute injury in youth footballers playing on third‐generation artificial turf compared with grass.”

Studies on Health Impact:

• Independent tests conducted by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and New York State Department of Health, released in May 2009, said fields tested “do not raise a concern for non-cancer or cancer health effects for people who use or visit the fields.”
• In 2011, a study of synthetic fields in Connecticut concluded based upon their findings that “Cancer and noncancer risk levels were at or below de minimis     levels of concern” for outdoor synthetic turf fields 
• In 2017 the Washington State Department of Health issued its analysis of cancer rates and youth athletes playing on artificial turf fields with recycled rubber infill.  It stated the following: “Based on what we know today, the Washington State Department of Health recommends that people who enjoy soccer continue to play regardless of the type of field surface.”
• The EPA has acknowledged that “Studies to date have not shown an elevated health risk from playing on fields with tire crumb rubber,” but has committed to a multi-agency research effort, known as the Federal Research Action Plan on Recycled Tire Crumb Used on Playing Fields and Playgrounds (FRAP).  Part one of that study was released on July 25, 2019 

If the bond referendum passes, parents and student athletes can opt not to play on the synthetic playing surface provided at Chester UFSD. Many of the surrounding school districts have constructed synthetic turf playing fields and interscholastic competition may inevitably require a student athlete to compete on a synthetic field whether it’s constructed at Chester UFSD or not.

We presume this question relates to stormwater runoff and the potential for plastic to leach into the stormwater system. The State of New York has some of the most stringent stormwater regulations in the United States. This is regulated through a State Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (SPEDES) permit process and establishment of an NYS DEC approved Stormwater Prevention Pollution Plan (SWPPP)
The NYS DEC regulates activities in and adjacent to both freshwater and tidal wetlands, including those near synthetic fields, and requires permits for activities that could negatively impact these areas, including construction, grading, and drainage. 
Before undertaking any project in or near wetlands, you need to determine if your project falls under NYS DEC's jurisdiction. This involves contacting the regional DEC office to schedule a site visit and obtain a jurisdictional determination.  This project will be designed to comply with the requirements of the NYS DEC guidelines. The design of this project will be reviewed and approved by the NYS DEC and construction activities will be in accordance with the New York State Stormwater Design Manual. 

Yes. Studies indicate that proper design and construction of synthetic turf fields provide sufficient drainage to retain and slowly release high volumes of water into retention areas for treatment and/or filtration prior to entering a downstream water body. Turf manufacturers have responded to health concerns and/or regulation related to PFAS in plastics or contaminants discovered in recycled crumb rubber by simply removing or replacing these products in the supply chain with safer alternatives such as PFAS free plastics and virgin grade rubber, coated recycled crumb rubber, or organic infill materials.  This project will comply with all New York State laws in effect at the time, including the Carpet Collection Program Law (https://dec.ny.gov/environmental-protection/recycling-composting/carpet) which bans manufacturers from using PFAS in artificial turf and other carpets after Dec. 31, 2026, and requires them to participate in a turf collection program.
Links to several studies are provided below.

• https://dep.nj.gov/wp-content/uploads/dsr/synthetic-turf-memorandum-june2022.pdf
• https://extapps.dec.ny.gov/docs/materials_minerals_pdf/crumbfacts.pdf
• https://extapps.dec.ny.gov/docs/materials_minerals_pdf/tirestudy.pdf
• https://mountsinaiexposomics.org/position-statement-on-the-use-of-artificial-turf-surfaces/
• https://www.burrillville.org/sites/g/files/vyhlif2886/f/uploads/icahn_ltr_with_reply_from_trc.pdf

No. The school district has followed the guidelines established by the State Environmental Quality Review Act. With the assistance of their design professional and legal counsel, the school district has followed the procedural requirements of SEQR and performed the necessary due diligence to evaluate the potential environmental impact of the scope of work under consideration for the proposed bond referendum. No adverse impacts were noted in the review.

Yes. The athletic field lighting would be specified as fully-shielded LED lamps with app-based photometric and dimming controls. The shields prevent light from “spilling” over onto adjoining property. Musco Sports Lighting is the industry leader in the manufacturing and installation of athletic field lighting. Musco Sports Lighting offers a system named “Control-Link” to manage, control and monitor athletic field lighting from anywhere, at anytime, by using an application on your smartphone. As part of any field lighting design, LAN and the LA Group will prepare a field photometric layout. Field photometric layouts are crucial for accurately assessing and designing lighting systems, ensuring optimal illumination, energy efficiency, and compliance with safety standards by mapping light distribution and intensity across a given area.

The Referendum for the Vote is set for Dec. 16

The District website serves as the primary and most reliable source of information to ensure accessibility for all. A dedicated Interscholastic Athletic Facility tab on the CUFSD website provides project details, updates, presentations, and resources for community members to stay informed.

The District website features a designated email address where residents can submit questions. These questions will be reviewed and added to the online FAQ to ensure transparency and consistent communication.
The community is encouraged to join the conversation and share feedback through engagement opportunities listed in the “Communication and Engagement” section under the Interscholastic Athletic Facility Project tab on the District website.
Two Public Community Forums have been scheduled: one at the Chester Academy Auditorium on November 12, 2025, and another at the Senior Center on November 19, 2025. Additional updates and opportunities for engagement will continue to be shared across all District communication platforms.

On Oct.  22, 2025, the BOE adopted the Resolution to Present the Capital Project Proposition to Voters, setting the referendum date for Dec. 16.

Please visit our voter information page: https://www.chesterufsd.org/interscholastic-athletics-facility-capital-project/voter-information