The turf field is a much needed addition to the facilities here at Clarkson. Clarkson has always excelled in the classroom, and with the addition of turf we will hopefully excel on the playing field. I know my teammates and I are looking forward to playing and practicing on it next fall.
- Alyssa Bandy ‘10 Women’s Lacrosse/Soccer
Parents Fund
The Parents Fund plays an important role in helping to ensure a quality experience for all Clarkson students. Each year, parents of Clarkson students, as well as parents of students who have graduated from Clarkson, support a project that addresses an important need on campus. Previous Parents Fund projects have included the Concrete Café, support for the Parents Association Lounge in the Cheel Campus Center, the Deneka Family Fitness Center, and the Adirondack Lodge.
The Turf Field Project
At Clarkson University we understand that education extends beyond classrooms and laboratories and into residence halls, athletic fields, and dining areas. In our close-knit community, living and learning are intertwined and our campus reflects this. It's why Clarkson is building a Turf Field to serve as a multi-purpose facility and restoring Walker Center, the former hockey complex. We believe that athletic competition, participation in recreational sports, and physical fitness activities complement a Clarkson education.
Hantz Field
Located at the eastern entrance to our campus, Walker Center and Hantz Field have served as the University's athletic complex. While the field served its purpose at times, due to the unpredictable weather in the North Country, many of our athletic events and recreational activities that use the field suffer. While our lacrosse teams are waiting for the snow to melt and the field to dry, they are practicing in the parking lots or indoors at Walker Arena; putting them at a definite disadvantage with their competitors, many of whom have turf fields. The time has come to renovate this complex and bring it up to par with our other athletic/recreational facilities.
The Plan
The renovation calls for the construction of a Turf Field at the present location of Hantz Field located on Clarkson Avenue. Lights, to maximize usage during shorter daylight periods, bleachers, a press box and landscaping are included in the plan, which will help to significantly improve the look of the eastern entrance.
The Turf Field will have less routine annual maintenance, it will keep us from canceling or moving games due to inclement weather conditions and it will allow for more use within the athletic programs and the community at large. It will not only augment our lacrosse teams, but also other varsity teams, various clubs, intramural teams and recreational activities.
The Costs
The estimated project cost for the Turf Field ranges from $1.8M - $2M. For our one year Parents Fund project, we have the opportunity to raise $150,000 in support of the Turf Field.
The Time frame
If the fund raising goal for the entire project is achieved, there is a good possibility of breaking ground in May 2008 with a completion date by August 2008. Please make your gift today, helping us to get this project underway!
Participating in the Parents Fund
If you're a Clarkson parent, or the parent of a Clarkson graduate, we encourage you to join us by participating in the Parents Fund this year. Please make your pledge using our secure website or mail your check to:
The Parents Fund
Clarkson University
PO Box 5530
Potsdam, NY 13699-5530
Thank you for your consideration. Your gift to the Parents Fund is an important investment and will help support the Clarkson community and make a difference for many students. For further information, contact the Clarkson Fund at 315-268-3854 or email Nichole Greene, Associate Director of the Clarkson Fund.
Each year Clarkson parents like you generously support the University through special annual projects that improve the learning environment and campus life for their own sons and daughters as well as future students. These projects are chosen by Clarkson parents with input from students.
This year The Parents Fund is launching a one-year, $150,000 fundraising campaign in support of the construction of a Turf Field. The Hantz Field Athletic Complex will become a multi-purpose venue for a diverse group of University, collegiate, intramural and club teams, and community youth sports groups. Please help us make the dream of a new turf field at Clarkson a reality – with your gift to The Parents Fund.