A proposal for major upgrades at Fruth Memorial Athletic Field, including the installation of artificial turf continues to generate discussion A couple of people spoke at Monday night’s Fond du Lac School Board meeting in opposition to the plan. Teacher Dawn Kuhnz told the board there are more important needs facing the district. “You probably won’t find a bigger Fondy Cardinal fan than myself or my husband, so I’m not anti football, I’m not anti Fruth Field,” Kuhnz told the board. “…but I am pro Fond du Lac public education and I really, really ask that you sort through all of these things and that you would take the responsible approach of raising the money before any renovations.” Retired teacher, Ted Eischeid, said the district still owes nearly a half million dollars for a new entryway at Fruth. “This Fruth project was spun as a real community asset. If this is true, why haven’t other community partners signed on as co-funders?” Eischeid says its a risky financial endeavor given the funding challenges public education is facing in Wisconsin. “Would the project as proposed be nice? I suppose, but then I’m proud that the Green Bay Packers play on grass, not astroturf and still win championships.” In addition to artificial turf, plans call for updating lighting and sound systems and building a community pavilion at an estimated cost of 1.5 to $1.9 million. Superintendent Dr. Jim Sebert says artificial turf would allow the field to be used more than it is now. Sebert said the new project would be paid for through donations, but that the school board would be asked for permission to borrow the money up front using the district fund balance.
