16/06/2026
*Official Statement*
From the Buccaneers Youth Football Board of Directors
The Buccaneers Youth Football Board of Directors proudly expresses our strong support for the proposed CVU Community Field Project. We believe this project represents a significant investment in our students, athletes, families, and the broader Champlain Valley community.
At its core, this project is about more than a playing surface. It is a community-building initiative that creates opportunities for people of all ages to come together through sports, recreation, school events, and shared experiences. The proposed complex will become a central gathering place that promotes teamwork, pride, wellness, and community connection for generations to come.
Importantly, this project is being funded entirely through private donations. There will be no cost or financial burden placed on taxpayers or residents of the five towns served by Champlain Valley Union High School. Community members will gain the benefits of a state-of-the-art facility without any increase in taxes or public expenditures.
One of the most important aspects of the project is accessibility. The current field configuration presents challenges for individuals with mobility limitations and is not fully ADA accessible. The new complex will provide an inclusive environment where all students, athletes, families, and community members can participate in and enjoy events regardless of physical ability.
We also recognize and appreciate the extensive efforts made to address environmental concerns. The proposed turf product is 100% PFAS-free at the time of manufacturing and exceeds the requirements of Vermont's PFAS legislation that took effect on January 1, 2026. Additionally, FieldTurf, the turf manufacturer, has agreed to full indemnification language within the legal agreement, providing important protections for the district and community.
From an athletic standpoint, the need for a reliable playing surface is clear. CVU is the largest high school in Vermont and deserves a best-in-class athletic facility that reflects the quality of its students, programs, and community. Unfortunately, the current grass field often becomes unplayable during late fall and early spring due to weather, mud, and poor field conditions.
Anyone who has played on the current field understands these challenges firsthand. Likewise, parents who have had to drive athletes and fans to opposing schools for what should have been home games know exactly how disruptive these conditions can be. These limitations have resulted in missed opportunities for student-athletes, including senior games being played at opponents' facilities, playoff games being relocated to neutral sites, and the inability to host state playoff contests.
A turf field would dramatically increase opportunities for students and community organizations. The facility would support use across at least three seasons annually, with potential winter use through snow removal. Schools and community programs would no longer need to rent facilities in neighboring communities or schedule extremely early morning practices that place additional burdens on student-athletes and their families.
The project would also foster stronger school pride, student pride, and community pride. A modern athletic complex serves as a visible symbol of community investment in youth and education while creating opportunities to host events that bring residents together.
Financially, the project represents a responsible long-term investment. Turf fields typically require lower annual maintenance costs than natural grass fields while providing substantially more usable hours. The proposed complex has the potential to transform the current athletic field system from a district expense of approximately $20,000 annually into a revenue-generating asset capable of producing an estimated $80,000 to $100,000 per year through tournaments, playoff hosting, field rentals, and community events. These revenues can help fund future field replacement needs, including the anticipated carpet replacement at the 10- to 12-year mark.
The facility would also support programs such as field hockey, a sport that requires a turf playing surface for optimal competition and athlete development.
Beyond the school community, the project would generate positive economic impacts for the Town of Hinesburg. Additional home games, state playoff events, tournaments, and regional competitions would bring athletes, families, and visitors into the community, benefiting local businesses and increasing community visibility.
Finally, we acknowledge the project's environmental benefits related to stormwater management. The proposed facility includes a fully engineered stormwater treatment system designed to contain and treat approximately 99% of runoff generated by the site. This represents a substantial improvement over the current conditions, where stormwater runoff is largely unmanaged and flows directly into local waterways and ultimately into Lake Champlain.
For these reasons, the Buccaneers Youth Football Board of Directors strongly supports the CVU Turf Field Project. We believe it is an investment in accessibility, student opportunity, community engagement, environmental stewardship, and the long-term success of our schools and surrounding communities.
Respectfully,
Buccaneers Youth Football Board of Directors
