After years of being one of the only schools in the area still using a gravel track and grass field, the Milton Board of Directors passed a plan to update its stadium in November, allowing a budget of $12 million for a new Athletic Complex and Health and Wellness Center.

Since this budget was announced, I have been hearing many people talking about how expensive the new facility is and how much taxes will increase. While these concerns are valid, the benefits of this facility far outweigh the negatives.

This new facility will benefit Milton athletes. An all-weather track will help runners earn faster times in their races. A turf field will allow for quicker and better game play in sports such as football, soccer and field hockey. Along with games, practicing on these surfaces will better prepare athletes for competition.

In an updated facility, games and meets can go on in unfavorable weather conditions. If it has been raining all day, games and meets can still take place because the field and track will not be a muddy mess like it is now. An improved surface would also mean fewer injuries due to wet and muddy conditions.

Having an all-weather track and turf field will decrease costs when it comes to maintaining the facility. According to Athletic Director Mr. Rod Harris, as of now, maintenance costs include watering, seeding, fertilizing, aerating, painting, mowing and spraying for weeds. While there will still be maintenance involved, Mr. Harris said the facility maintenance will “cost a lot less.” He added that upkeep will only include grooming the turf and resettling the rubber three times a year.

The Health and Wellness Center will also benefit the community, as it will now have an updated gym for both students and community members to use. Along with the Health and Wellness Center, the new stadium will allow for more community events to be hosted in it.

While the budget of the stadium makes some angry, the facility will bring in money as well. The new facility will likely increase attendance to several sporting events, as the accommodations such as the bleachers and concession stands will be nicer.

Along with regular-season game attendance, the school will also be able to host more post-season games, such as district playoff games. For the past few years, Milton has hosted several basketball district playoff games as the gym is one of the best around. With an updated stadium, it will be possible for our school to host district playoff games for soccer, football and field hockey, earning the district additional money in the process.