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Project organizers plan to replace the aging track and replace its grass-covered football field with artificial turf.
They expect the track to be completed this year; the turf project may take longer, depending on fundraising success. Portland Public Schools is contributing $191,000, and the city of Portland has promised more than $100,000 for the projects.
PPS' contributions are part of its Great Fields Project (PDF, see page 43), an initiative that provides school communities with "seed money" to kick start athletics upgrades. The district also helps schools to design projects and estimate costs.
The city of Portland supports the project because it expands the number of year-round fields available to schools and surrounding communities.
Franklin will be the fifth PPS high school to improve sports fields in recent years.
Last year, Lincoln High School replaced its turf field, and Buckman Field near Benson High School was renovated with two new soccer fields. Roosevelt upgraded its field in 2010 and Cleveland improved its field and track the previous year.
Community planning is under way to replace Roosevelt’s track by the end of 2012.
What about Grant, Jefferson, Madison and Wilson high schools?
Grant volunteers continue to raise money for a new turf field and other upgrades through Friends of Grant Athletics.
Cameron Vaughan-Tyler, PPS capital partnership development manager, says there are "substantial efforts forming" among the Madison and Wilson communities around field improvements; Jefferson does not have an active effort at present.
"We are so grateful to our high school communities for recognizing and supporting athletics and student wellness," Vaughan-Tyler says. "Students are proud knowing that they are getting what other districts have — fields and tracks they can compete on in any weather, all day, every day."
