BUTLER — Mother Nature did everything she could on Thursday to demonstrate why Butler needs an artificial turf field. Despite a steady downpour, Superintendent Dan Johnson and other school officials broke ground on much-anticipated Memorial Field construction.
The project, which includes FieldTurf, a resurfaced gray track, ADA-compliant visitors' bleachers and a new sound system, was a community goal when the Butler district put its strategic plan together five years ago.
It is estimated to cost about $2 million. The Board of Education has increased the strategic reserves for the past four years to fund the project.
Butler will be the last Morris County high school to add an artificial turf multipurpose field. Kinnelon debuted its donated "Field of Dreams" on Sept. 3, 2021, after many years of failed fundraising efforts.
Johnson brought up Butler's NJSIAA North 1, Group 1 football title game, which was moved to nearby Pequannock because Memorial Field was unplayable.
"We're a small school, but we really want to set that tone," said athletic director Derek Hall, the former Sparta volleyball coach who came to Butler in fall 2021 when Dave Doty left for neighboring Kinnelon.
"We want to make sure people know about Butler athletics. Our football team has a tradition of being successful, and our other teams are starting to catch up. We want people to know our blue turf, and that they're in for a tough game. That's the culture we're trying to build here. Just because we're limited in students doesn't mean we're limited in ability to compete."
Butler is modeling its field color after Idaho's Boise State University, which became the first school to install a non-green football field in 1986. In 2011, Boise State obtained a federal trademark registration for "the color blue as applied to artificial turf."
Butler will have blue turf with gold end zones.
"It's going to be Bulldog turf," said Johnson, who put the first shovel in the ground on Thursday afternoon. "Everyone markets their districts, and in our district, we're really proud of being the blue and gold. ... We take pride in our school colors and our mascot, and we wanted to demonstrate it to our community. Just wait — it's going to be gorgeous."
When Memorial Field was renovated about a decade ago, a turf proposal lost by a handful of votes in a referendum. However, Johnson said, at that time, excavation was done and perimeter drainage laid — with turf in mind.
Work to prepare the site will continue through July. Butler's track and field teams will be bused to Kinnelon for practice this spring, similarly to what the Colts did when their field was under construction. Physical education classes and graduation will be held at the field behind the high school.
The turf will be installed in July and August, followed by the track resurfacing.
Memorial Field is traditionally used only for games. But the turf will expand its availability, both for high school teams and to the broader community.
Butler is scheduled to open the field with a football game on Sept. 30.
Jason Luciani, the longtime football and wrestling coach, spoke of the meaning behind Memorial Field, which was dedicated to Butler High School alumni who died in service to the United States. One of those is his uncle, Augustus Christakos, a member of the Class of 1944 who died during World War II.
"My uncle and his peers would be proud to know their legacy will continue at this place where children gather to play," Luciani said. "Of course, so much more than play happens here. This is a place where children make lifelong friendships and learn life lessons. It's a place where families and community members gather to watch these friendships and lessons unfold. It's a place where celebrations are held. It's a place that is hallowed ground."
Jane Havsy is a storyteller for the Daily Record and DailyRecord.com, part of the USA TODAY Network. For full access to live scores, breaking news and analysis, subscribe today.
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