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Blakelock makes wish for a new athletic field By Dominik Kurek OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF Members of T. A. Blakelock's school council admit even though the building is old, that doesn't mean its outdoor sports field has to be, too. The school's Spirit of Sport (SOS) Committee members were on hand to speak to Halton District School Board trustees at Wednesday's board meeting. The SOS group members were there to convey their hopes of having an artificial field installed on the school's property and to ask for some assistance in doing so. "We are here to present an opportunity to enhance and enrich T.A. Blakelock High School with the installation of a very safe, incredibly durable, low-maintenance, highly-functional, tremendously versatile, all-season artificial field surface," said Sandy McDonald. The delegates said there would be an opportunity to install a seasonal dome cover and a possible heating source so the field use could be expanded through the year. Such expanded use could also increase revenue derived from it, they said. The SOS committee is trying to determine the costs of such a project and is looking for sponsors, partners and cash donations. However, it needs some help from the school board. Committee members have asked the board to allow its facility staff to work with SOS to explore the viability and affordability of the artificial field project. The study would determine the possible costs or savings with either an artificial or natural grass field, share information from similar projects in the past within the school board, discuss alternative energy strategies, which could be combined with the school's Specialty High Skills Major program, as well as investigate possible agreements with the Town of Oakville and sports clubs for financial support. Oakville Ward 4 Trustee Kathryn Bateman-Olmstead said she intends to bring a motion to the board at its next meeting that would allow Blakelock staff to work with the committee on its investigation. The committee said it's planning to begin the investigation imminently and start its fundraising efforts in the new year. 7 · Friday, December 9, 2011 OAKVILLE BEAVER · www.insideHALTON.com A GIVEAWAY-A-DAY contest Visit our Facebook page every day from December 12-23 for your chance to win some of the season's hottest must-haves. 905 842 2140 | oakvilleplace.com facebook.com/OakvillePlace