Central to the discussion was the financial responsibility and implications of choosing between artificial turf and natural grass. A village official clarified that the Monroe County School District would fund the construction of the recreation facility, with the village contributing only through land use. This arrangement was underscored by the interlocal agreement currently in place, which specifies that the school board will cover construction costs, while maintenance costs will be shared pro-rata with the village. The projected cost of the project, initially set at $5 million, has risen to $6.1 million due to more plansning and rising construction costs.

The council weighed the long-term maintenance costs associated with each surface type. Artificial turf was acknowledged for its potential to reduce water usage and maintenance demands, which is particularly relevant given the environmental pressures on the Biscayne aquifer. However, concerns were raised about the high initial investment and eventual replacement cost of artificial turf, which could exceed $300,000 annually over a decade. In contrast, maintaining natural grass requires resources, including frequent watering, mowing, and fertilization, which some argued were not sustainable given the village’s current capabilities.

Safety was another critical factor in the debate. A pediatrician with extensive experience argued that artificial turf could be safer for baseball players, as studies often cite increased injury risks on artificial surfaces for sports like soccer and football. Yet, others contended that premier sports venues predominantly use natural grass. The NFL Players Association’s preference for grass fields was cited as a point in favor of maintaining natural surfaces.

Community voices were prominent throughout the meeting, with many residents expressing strong opinions on both sides of the issue. Some advocated for artificial turf, citing its durability and lower maintenance needs. Yet, others favored natural grass to preserve the park’s natural aesthetics and minimize environmental impact. There were calls for transparency and further public input before making a final decision, with some expressing concern over the perceived rush to finalize the agreement.

A proposed baseball field task force was introduced to gather further public input and oversee the project’s development. The task force aims to balance the needs of local residents with those of the broader community, which includes non-residents who might use the facility.

The idea of transforming the baseball field into a multi-use venue was discussed, with potential to host flag football, lacrosse, and other sports that have seen increased participation. However, this raised concerns about accessibility for non-residents and potential conflicts with existing community events.

As the discussion continued, it became clear that the council and school board must reach a consensus on the use agreement, which will outline specific responsibilities and costs. The need for thorough documentation and clear contractual obligations was emphasized to prevent future disputes.