Hello, welcome to our recently renovated athletic stadium turf. I am Rob Ridgeway, and I have the privilege of being the superintendent of Harper Creek Community Schools. I think the field turf project turned out great, and I am proud to be part of a district with the best athletic facilities in our area. Many have asked questions about the turf –how much it costs, how long it lasts, and why now.
First and foremost, the money for the turf came from revenue received from the Firekeeper’s Casino Local Revenue Sharing Board in which 2% of all electronic gaming is given to public entities connected to the casino and reservation. Harper Creek’s school board has saved money from this revenue over the past ten years to prepare for this project. The field turf replacement costs approximately $500,000. The Board of Education made a promise in 2008, when the turf was first installed, that they would not ask taxpayers to pay for this project, and our current Board of Education kept that promise through sound and sensible budgeting. Promise Made/Promise Kept.
The lifespan of field turf is typically ten years. The original turf, installed in 2008, lasted for sixteen years and was at the end of its lifecycle. We hope to get sixteen years of use out of the newly installed turf, which has an eight-year warranty. Having field turf allows athletic teams to play in all weather conditions and allows them to practice daily on the turf. Game fields that are grass only allow for limited use and must be maintained, including mowing, watering, fertilizing, and lining. With field turf, all of our outdoor sports can benefit from good field conditions for both practice and
games, even in the worst weather, all while allowing our community access for personal wellness.
Finally, I want to thank Firekeepers Casino and Hotel, the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi, our school board, and the community for their continued support. Harper Creek Community Schools will remain strong now and into the future as we Educate, Empower, and Equip Students for Life. I can't wait to see all of you this fall. Go Beavers!
Thank you to Andy Sutton, HC Class of 2003 for the photos.
From Prank to Purpose: HCHS Students Turn Head-Shaving Dare into Fundraiser September 12, 2025
What started as a lighthearted dare between HCHS seniors Camden Robinson and Ben Ramos has turned into a $10,000 rundraising challenge that could see their vice principal lose his hair, beard, and even part of an eyebrow, all to support children entering foster care.
HCCS Celebrates the 2025 Retirees and Years of Service at Welcome Event August 29, 2025
The 2025 Retirees and Milestone Years of Service were celebrated at this year's Staff Appreciation Breakfast.
Harper's Unsung Heroes - Nicole Asher August 28, 2025
Nicole has spent her entire sixteen-year teaching career working with autistic students. She joined our Harper Creek family a few years ago with the addition of an AI classroom to Wattles Park. Her calm demeanor makes her a perfect fit in working with our special education population. Her students have benefited from having daily interactions with their general education peers, just as our general education peers have benefited from interacting with them.
