Q: Is it safe? Will athletes get burns when they fall on it?

No. This new generation of artificial turf is not like the old Astroturf that caused rug burns. The new generation of turf fields is believed to be safer than natural grass because they do not have hidden pot holes, divots or sprinkler heads. We will install a well-cushioned surface.

Q: When will be field be ready?

Our goal is to have the field ready for play this spring. If we are not able to install the field this spring we will return donor money. Interest is not being earned

Q: Is my donation tax-deductible?

Yes. Kids’Turf is registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. You will receive a receipt for tax purposes once we have received your donation.

Q: Where will this field be?

The field will be located behind the Cape Elizabeth High School by the swimming pool entrance. The lights have been installed. Other sites were cost prohibitive and the coaching staffs what the field on the school campus.

Q: Who is going to use the field?

This field will serve field hockey, football, lacrosse, and soccer for both boys and girls. In addition it may be used for gym classes, field sport games, summer camps, youth sports, and community service programs. The school department and community services will determine the schedule of use.

Q: Can I pay over 2 years?

Yes, we are accepting multi-year pledges; however, our goal is to collect all the necessary funds by Dec.31st of this year. For tax purposes some people may pay off pledges in January of 2008. If you have payment questions, please email Graham Smith at gms@macpage.com (automatic payments, stock gifts, etc)

Q: Can I pay by credit card?

Yes. On the website, www.kidsturf.org, clicking on the donations tab will take you to a web secure page on site where you can make credit card payments. Simply follow the instructions. You will be sent a receipt for tax purposes.

Q: What is the average gift size?

We have received gifts ranging up to $100,000. All we ask is that you making a meaningful donation to our campaign. You have a chance to make a difference in our community

Q: How far are you from the goal of $650,000?

We need to raise $150,000 by the end of December.

Q: Who will determine the use of the field/scheduling?

Bob Malley, Director of Public Works, Sue Weatherbie, Community Services Director and Keith Weatherbie, Athletic Administrator have formed a committee to make the necessary field assignments.

Q: Who is currently managing the money during the fundraising process?

A member of our committee is a Certified Public Accountant.

Q: How will the community benefit from a turf field?

This field will relieve the pressure on our existing fields. An artificial turf field can handle the play of four grass fields. The field will always be ready for play regardless of the weather. Our goal is to create a gathering place for all and a venue for positive weekend night activities. The addition of this field will make an already attractive school system even more attractive.

Q: Is there any recognition planned for donors? 

Yes, we are planning to have permanent recognition of donors at various levels displayed at the field. For a few very significant donations, naming rights have been reserved. Anyone not wanting their name listed can choose to be “Anonymous”. We will be asking booster groups to also print the names of donors in their seasonal programs.

Q: Who is being asked to donate?

Kids’ Turf is asking every household in Cape Elizabeth to be a part of this effort which we believe will benefit the entire community.

Q: Will there be more fundraising?

Once the field is in, there is a plan to build bleachers and a snack shack. This initial phase does not include these expenditures. (There is a possibility.)

Q: Why isn’t the town paying for this? Or a bond?

The Kids’ Turf committee felt that the town/school was already under tremendous budget pressure. It is not uncommon for a project of this nature to be privately financed. (Other privately funded programs in Cape Elizabeth included 2 playgrounds, Fort Williams and the middle school and the “Fields for Kids”/Lions Field baseball.) NYA just installed a new turf field with private funds.

Q: Will this field yield any cost savings for the town?

Any savings will be spent to improve the existing grass fields.

Q: Cost analysis page? Usable hours?

Fitzpatrick uses their field 4000 hours per year. A grass field may be utilized approximately 500 hours per year. We expect to use the field in Cape approximately 2500-3000 hours per year.

Q: What vendor/field company are you using?

We will be signing a contract as soon as all of the money has been raised. Several companies are being interviewed.

Q: How does the field drain?

The surface is porous; Water drains down through the product much as it does in natural soil. It has been tested to withstand play up to 10” of rain.

If you have any additional questions or concerns that are not addressed here, please contact us at kidsturf@maine.rr.com.

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