WCBC

August 13th, 2019 by WCBC Radio

The installation of the new turf at Greenway Avenue Stadium was complete on July 23, 2019. Thanks to the efforts of the Greenway Avenue Stadium Capital Improvement Fund, Inc., a 501(c)(3) committee of community members committed to raising funds for capital improvements at Greenway Avenue Stadium, for the most notable upgrade to the new turf – the school names that appear in each end zone.

Fort Hill’s new principal, Candy Canan, has enjoyed seeing this project become a reality. “Having the opportunity to watch this project progress over the course of the summer, and feeling the excitement of the Fort Hill students and the entire community build as it is completed, has been a wonderful experience.” She went on to say, “The commitment of many individuals to see this project come to fruition will be admired and appreciated each time our student athletes, band members, and Fort Hill graduates step into the stadium and view what I consider to be a true field of dreams."

Heidi Laupert, principal at Allegany, echoes these sentiments. "Greenway Avenue is such a tremendous source of pride and tradition for Allegany High School. The Stadium Capital Improvement Committee deserves a great deal of credit for their diligence and perseverance in achieving their goal of upgrading the facilities.” Laupert continued, “The entire Camper community is eager to "set foot" on the new turf and continue the many successes of Allegany High School. Go Campers!" Greenway Avenue Stadium Capital Improvement Fund, Inc. (GASCIF) hosts public fundraising activities, including annual events such as the "Walk a Mile for 'Ol Greenway” one mile walk and mini-marathon, a cruise-in and car show at Windsor Castle, and other activities in the planning stages.

GASCIF accepts direct contributions as well as personal donations and is currently facilitating the sales advertising panels that are attached to the new scoreboard.

The original turf was installed in 1998 with a price tag of $600,000 and was replaced in 2008 at a cost of $540,000. FieldTurf, the same company that installed the previous surfaces, completed the latest turf replacement at a cost of $500,000. The FieldTurf Vertex Prime is the latest generation product boasting fibers that are 2.5” high, the greatest pile height available.

Additionally, as in the past, this product is warranted for eight years. FieldTurf now also offers a means to recycle the rubber infill material that provides the cushioning, as more than 100 tons of material was recycled. According to GASCIF co-chair, Mark Manges, “In addition to the hard work of the outstanding committee, there are also so many local community members who volunteered their time and efforts to ensure the success of our endeavor.”

The GASCIF is comprised of thirteen community members. In addition to Manges, other officers include co-chair, Greg Hare; David Goad, Vice Chair; Greg Honeycutt, Treasurer; and John Felten, Secretary.

With the new playing surface and scoreboard now installed, GASCIF is soliciting financial help through private and public sources to replace the current 7-lane running track with a regulation 8-lane running track, new visitor bleachers, and the replacement of the press box/concession/restroom building on the visitor side. For more information, contact the GASCIF chair, Mark Manges, at 240-362-6670, or visit the Greenway Avenue Stadium Capital Improvement Fund on Facebook.