Granger Township Funds Highland Youth Soccer Field Upgrades

Funding the playing surface

Trustees have approved a $9,237 contribution towards the association’s estimated $18,475 project with Lewis Landscaping. The report says the arrangement follows a similar contribution made in Sharon Township.

Separate funding has also been approved for TruGreen’s autumn aeration and seeding work at Granger Township Park. Most of the improvement work is expected to take place on the two front fields behind Granger Fire Department, while the back fields will continue to receive regular maintenance.

Eric McGrath, Highland Youth Soccer’s girls travel director, said the ongoing cost after the initial work could be “maybe a couple thousand dollars a year”. That points to the challenge facing many community clubs: securing the initial upgrade is only the first step, with long-term upkeep vital to protecting the surface.

A broader township agenda

The field decision came alongside several unrelated items:

• A $1.2 million pumper/tanker purchase was approved for the fire department.
• The department reportedly has 29 members after a firefighter’s resignation.
• Five candidates are being interviewed, including experienced firefighters and recent graduates.
• Storm-related tree removal and the Stony Hill Road Culvert Project also received approval.

For Highland Youth Soccer, however, the immediate priority is clear: better fields, better coordination and a maintenance plan that can support growing participation.

The next test will come when the autumn work is completed and the association prepares for its next playing cycle. Granger’s investment now needs to translate into reliable pitches for the young players who use them.