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Turf questions delay Field of Dreams vote by Whitewater council

WHITEWATER — A debate by the Whitewater Common Council on whether turf should be used at the Treyton Kilar Field of Dreams project has delayed a vote on the project, according to a story in the Daily Jefferson County Union.

The council scheduled a special meeting for next Tuesday, July 24, to make a decision.

The special meeting is needed because of a July 31 deadline for a $50,000 grant that requires a decision on expenses for the project.

The Treyton Kilar Field of Dreams, to be located at Starin Park in Whitewater is named after a 6-year-old who was killed when a drunken driver hit his family’s car in September 2010. The idea of a high quality youth baseball facility in memory of Treyton, a big baseball fan, evolved into a community endeavor.

The Whitewater Community Foundation established a fund for the project, which has raised $330,000 so far, according to city Parks and Recreation Department director Matt Amundson. The money is being raised through donations and grants from individuals and organizations. The project is estimated to cost $474,000.

A Pepsi Refresh grant of $50,000 was awarded in Sept. 2011 to the project, but under the grant’s conditions, the money must be spent by July 31 or return to Pepsi.

During Tuesday’s meeting, council members heard objections from constituents over the maintenance and environmental effects of artificial turf.

Council members say they plan to further investigate the possible problems with artificial turf and listen to feedback from constituents before next Tuesday’s meeting.

For the complete story, see HERE.