Western-Star.com

Following the lead of several other Warren County school districts, Lebanon Junior High may be next to receive a new athletic field with artificial turf.

District residents Spence Cropper and Jim VanDeGrift are heading up a community group to raise the funds necessary to pay for FieldTurf at James VanDeGrift Stadium, located at Lebanon Junior High.

The major advantage of FieldTurf over grass is that it doesn't wear down and isn't affected by weather, allowing it to be used more often and for more activities, from football and soccer to band competitions.

The plan was presented Monday to the Lebanon school board, which could vote next week to move forward with the project.

Cropper said this initial phase of several renovations planned for the stadium would cost about $765,000, which would be raised through private donations.

Additional phases, which also would be paid with privately raised funds, would include improvements to the bleachers, press box, restrooms, concession and boosters stands, and construction of a field house, said VanDeGrift.

Area schools already using FieldTurf include Mason, Kings, Monroe and Springboro, while Little Miami is in the process of raising funds.