The football fields of the Levittown School District's two high schools are being replaced. Construction has already begun on the fields, which will feature FieldTurf Tarkett artificial playing surfaces.

Planning of the fields actually began with the "Field of Dreams Committee," which included Armando D'Accordo, Rich Barry, Kevin Regan, Rich Gilbert, Mike Oliveri, along with Keith Snyder, district athletic director, back in 2005.

According to Snyder and Assistant Superintendent for Business and Finance, Mark Schissler, the natural grass fields had worn down from overuse. Following games, and especially during bad weather, the fields would become unplayable and maintenance would be required to get the fields back into acceptable playing condition. This would require the cancellation of games.

Both Snyder and Schissler expressed confidence that the new artificial fields would eliminate this problem. FieldTurf is more durable than natural grass and requires less maintenance, which will mean the games will rarely have to be cancelled due to the condition of the field.

FieldTurf is an artificial turf made of synthetic fibers. It is used in many professional sports stadiums. In fact, the 2006 Super Bowl played at Ford Field in Detroit, was held on a FieldTurf surface. However, not all of the FieldTurf surfaces are made of exactly the same materials. The Levittown School Board recently approved the use of more cost-efficient materials to reduce the cost of the construction by about $50,000. The total cost will now be approximately $2,050,000.

Recently, concerns have been raised about the safety of artificial surfaces. However, both Schissler and Snyder strongly believe that the new surfaces pose no danger to the athletes.

Said Schissler, "Our architects have assured us that the fields are safe."

Snyder agreed with Schissler by stating, "We are not using anything that is harmful to the kids and all the scientific studies that we looked at said so."

According to Snyder, over 300 studies have found nothing adverse to the artificial surfaces. He also stated the district has the approval of the New York State Education Department. Furthermore, the athletic director states that the artificial surfaces may actually reduce injuries.

"The new surfaces will have no divots, no ruts, no stones and no uneven playing surfaces," said Snyder, which could potentially lead to fewer missteps and fewer injuries.

Installation of both fields should be completed by the beginning of school in September. Both fields, which will be located at MacArthur High School and Division Avenue High School, will have permanent marking for football, lacrosse and soccer but could be used for other sports as well. According to Snyder, middle school, junior varsity and varsity teams, for both boys and girls, will have games on the new surfaces. Additionally, the fields might also be used for physical education classes, band competitions, cheerleading competitions, graduations and other activities and might also be available to other organizations such as the PAL and CYO.

The school district apologizes for the tracks temporary closing, but said this was done due to the construction. Once the project is complete, the community will have courtesy nightlights to illuminate night walks on the track.