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.
Harper's Unsung Hero- Elizabeth Murphy April 27, 2026
Elizabeth chose teaching as her second career, with her first classroom placement being at Valley View Elementary, the school she attended as a child. She eventually joined her children at Wattles Park Elementary. Like her path to becoming a teacher, her path to becoming a parent was also non-traditional.
You are invited to the HCCS Community Connections Luncheon April 24, 2026
Join Harper Creek Community Schools for a Community Connections Luncheon on May 13. Enjoy a complimentary meal, hear district updates, and connect with others in a welcoming setting.
Beaveriety is Back! April 9, 2026
After several years away, the Beaveriety Talent Show is returning to Harper Creek, inviting everyone in the community to showcase their skills. With open auditions and a spirit of togetherness, the event aims to celebrate wide-ranging talents while supporting performing arts programs. Auditions will be held on Thursday, April 16, from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM at the Harper Creek High School auditorium.
Harper's Unsung Hero - Lindsey Cook March 11, 2026
Lindsey has evolved as an educator, taking on various roles, including early childhood teacher, first-grade teacher, fourth-grade teacher, and virtual English teacher for non-English learners. During and after the pandemic, she began to take on several leadership roles, which eventually led to her transition from teacher to administrator
Harper's Unsung Hero - Lesa Kenney February 18, 2026
Lesa’s passion for music as a child led her to pursue a teaching degree. She was inspired by middle school music teachers and knew that she also wanted to be a music teacher. Although she couldn’t become a music teacher, she still completed her degree at WMU to become a teacher.
