Harrison HS Breaks Ground On Multi-Use Turf Fields

When its all said and done, Harrison could have the best outdoor athletic facility on the west side of Cincy.

Photo via Harrison High School (@wildcatsofhhs).

(Harrison, Oh.) – William Henry Harrison High School is about to have “perhaps” the best outdoor athletic facility in the tri-state area.

The school officially broke ground on a multi-use turf field at Bill Kuntz Field on Thursday morning.

But the project goes well behind just one turf field. The $1.5 million dollar project will also include a second multi-use turf practice field, two fully irrigated grass practice fields, a new scoreboard, and upgraded walkways and fencing.

“We are ready for a year’s worth of work to come to life,” said athletic director Mark Meibers. "The upgrades should make the game day experience better for fans and athletes. I believe we'll be the only school on the west side of Cincinnati to have this type of outdoor facility." 

Meibers added that no tax dollars are being used to fund the project. He thanked the Harrison Athletic Boosters Turf Committee for countless hours of fundraising. The committee is made up of alumni, parents, grandparents, coaches, administrators and more.

The Cincinnati Bengals are also to thank.

Through the NFL Foundation Grassroots Program, the Bengals awarded Harrison High School with a $250,000 grant in January.

The #Bengals and the @NFLFoundation Grassroots Program teamed up to contribute $250,000 to Harrison High School to install a new synthetic turf field. 👏

— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) March 5, 2020

“We were at around one million when the news came in,” said Meibers. “It was a shot of adrenaline.”

The Bengals were well represented at Thursday morning's groundbreaking as executive vice president Katie Blackburn was there to participate in the festivities. 

“We are tremendously honored she took time out of busy schedule to be here today,” said Meibers.

Thank you @Bengals, @NFL, and LISC for helping us build the future for our student-athletes in the Harrison community. #FindYourGreatness pic.twitter.com/3q7zPDvpuq

— Harrison Wildcats AD (@wildcatsofhhs) March 5, 2020

According to Meibers, the practice field will be constructed during March, April and May. The main playing surface at Bill Kuntz Field will be installed in June, July and August.

Meibers added that the school is anticipating the project being completed by the time fall sports start in August.

“We can’t thank Superintendent John Hamstra enough,” said Meibers. “We can’t thank the Board enough. They allow myself and our athletic boosters to do projects like this. We live in a special place and we can’t thank everybody involved enough.”

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