Thank you all who supported the t.u.r.f campaign!

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On January 23, 2024, the Amherst Regional School Committee (RSC) voted 5-4 to rescind the decision the RSC made in March 2022 to raise capital for a new North-South oriented, 8-lane track surrounding a multi-sport synthetic turf field.  Instead, the newly elected RSC members have chosen to re-consider both synthetic as well as natural turf surfaces.

The Boosters embarked on the T.U.R.F. (Transitional Uses for our Regional Fields) Campaign after many public meetings and much advocacy. In March 2022, following the RSC's vote in favor of "Option 3," the design plans provided by Wesson and Sampson architects after a comprehensive study and needs assessment for the ARHS track and fields complex, the Boosters set forth seeking community support and major donors. The Boosters support and advocacy for Option 3 was also after independent, comprehensive research, included the pros and cons of synthetic turf fields, which was just one of the many considerations in this monumental and historical undertaking. This campaign successfully raised over $350,000 in about a year, which is impressive considering the organization consists of volunteers. We did make it clear from the beginning and all public meetings, and including to donors that these efforts were for the multi-sport synthetic turf field, in addition to the synthetic eight lane track. The main reasons for this insistence entail access and equity, as well as proper maintenance and the ability to raise revenue to contribute to the maintenance and future repair and replacement costs.

The Boosters reached out to donors for directions on the donations for the T.U.R.F. Campaign on or about 2/2/24, seeking input on how to apply the donations received from our advocacy for theT.U.R.F capital campaign, which we were concluding because the needs of all teams and student-athletes will not be addressed without the commitment to the multi-sport synthetic turf field. The communication asked donors for direction because our solicitation was for the installation of the turf field. Some donors gave large amounts in order to specifically support the installation of a synthetic turf field, as depicted in the Option 3 rendition. Thus, Donors were given the following options: 

1. Fully returned to you (via check or bank transfer); 2. Provided as a consolidated gift to the Amherst Regional Public Schools (ARPS) earmarked for an account to be used for whatever choices are made to improve the track and field.; 3. Donated to the High School Athletic Department for general use as deemed appropriate by the athletic director.; 4. Donated to the Amherst Hurricane Athletic Boosters and earmarked for a particular project or team (e.g. annual Golf fundraiser, college scholarships, team equipment, new uniforms, etc); or 5. Donated to the Amherst Hurricane Athletic Boosters for general use as voted on by the executive board. Once the Boosters receive the responses from the donors, and re-appropriate the $350,000 funds accordingly, we will present a gift to the ARPS for the improvement of the track and field from the donors who do not mind whatever plan is chosen by the RSC regarding the track and field repairs.