Finance Facts

March 28, 2025

The district is stepping into the future of field maintenance with a strategic investment in cutting-edge technology. The Turf Tank field lining robot system isn't just drawing lines—it's drawing a clear path to significant cost savings and dramatically improved efficiency for our athletic facilities.

For years, preparing our athletic fields has been a labor-intensive process. Maintenance crews would spend hours with plumb lines and walk-behind equipment, meticulously lining fields. That traditional approach consumed significant staff time and materials, particularly during the hectic spring and fall seasons when balancing field cutting and lining became especially challenging.

Acquiring the Turf Tank robot is transforming this process. What previously demanded several hours from a two-person team can now be accomplished in just 35 minutes with precision. A lacrosse field that once required 8-10 gallons of paint now needs only 2.5 gallons – a 70 percent reduction in material usage. This conservation of resources directly translates to taxpayer savings while simultaneously producing superior results.

Beyond the immediate financial benefits, this technology will enhance our responsiveness to both school athletic programs and community groups who rent our facilities. The demanding schedules of multiple sports will no longer create bottlenecks in field preparation. Soccer, lacrosse, track and field throwing events, and baseball/softball facilities can all be prepared with tournament-quality markings on shorter notice. The spring and fall seasons have traditionally stretched our maintenance capabilities as crews balanced the demanding schedule of mowing growing grass with the need for fresh field markings all while working around challenging wet and rainy conditions. The efficiency of the Turf Tank system will ease this pressure considerably, allowing staff to be more responsive to unexpected needs and schedule changes.

The district made the strategic decision to lease rather than purchase the Turf Tank system. This approach ensures we can continually benefit from technological upgrades as they become available, keeping our operations at the cutting edge with the newest equipment. The leasing arrangement provides flexibility while maximizing the return on taxpayer investment.

This investment in the Turf Tank system demonstrates our commitment to thoughtful stewardship of community resources, exemplifying our approach to fiscal management. By harnessing innovative technology, we've created a solution that reduces labor hours and conserves materials for direct financial savings, while providing precision and responsiveness that benefit everyone using our athletic fields. As we continue balancing excellent services with responsible spending, this technology serves both taxpayers and facility users alike, standing as a model for future initiatives that improve service while respecting the community's investment.