A member of the Barrington Park and Recreation Commission approached the Barrington School Committee recently, calling for an in-depth look at the construction of turf fields at the middle school property.

Mike Seward, the chairman of the commission, spoke to the school committee during the public comment portion of a recent meeting. He said commission members wanted to know what the school committee's position was regarding the artificial turf proposal. 

He also said that if the committee was unable to comment on the issue at that meeting, he would be interested in scheduling the item for future discussion.

Barrington Superintendent of Schools Michael Messore said he has had some conversations about turf fields, adding that the issue was discussed at the most recent school building committee meeting. 

Mr. Messore said he believes the turf field proposal is a community issue, and needs to be part of a larger discussion about town-wide facilities and the condition and utilization of athletic fields at Barrington High School.

The superintendent said there were some concerns, however, with whether an artificial turf field would fit with the middle school construction bond. 

Mr. Messore later suggested there be a collaborative meeting with town officials, school leaders, park and recreation officials and others.

Mr. Seward said he just wanted to make sure the school committee was part of the conversation. 

Meanwhile, the town council has planned a workshop on athletic fields for Wednesday, Feb. 6, at 7 p.m. The workshop will be a "general discussion" about all topics relating to the fields, including the proposed field fee increase. 

Petition calls for turf field in town

As of Sunday morning, nearly 150 people in Barrington had signed a petition titled "Time for Turf — Please Support Artificial Turf in Barrington."

The petition, which was started by Barrington resident and youth sports leader Seth Fisher, states that now is the right time to install artificial turf fields at the middle school.

"The new middle school has plans to create grass fields, however, replacing grass with artificial turf will provide our town with an unbelievable surface to host sporting events and community activities. Because of the approved funding, switching the fields from grass to artificial turf will not cost our town very much…"

Many of the people who signed the petition offered reasons for supporting the initiative.

"This town has a lack of field space with no long range plan," wrote Lisa Daft.

"We need better fields in Barrington," wrote Pamela Van Ness. "Rhode Island is a wet state and our children miss out on so many cancelled practices and games due to poor field conditions."

"As an athletic coach, it is needed to help create more practice fields," wrote Drew Genetti.

"Turf gives us immediate access to fields without literally waiting for the grass to grow," wrote Jamie Willard. "More importantly it saves money and (the) environment by not having to water/mow/fertilize."

To sign the petition, visit www.change.org and search "Time for Turf-Please Support Artificial Turf in Barrington."