A "more efficient use of time and money"

        This morning I was reading another edition of the world's finest newspaper, the Wilmette Life and came across an article that I felt compelled to blog about.  The article reports that the New Trier Booster Club has pledged one million dollars to help them lay down an artificial turf for the athletes to play on.  The entire project is expected to cost almost 3 and a half million dollars.  The article quotes Kaci Smith, the Booster Club president saying that this project would be "more efficient use of time and money".  The Booster Club will raise the money through donations.
       I personally struggle to see a less efficient use of time or other's money.  I have a hard time imagining such vast sums of money being thrown away to something as inessential as fake grass.  Think of all the people someone could help with 3.3 million dollars.  People have played sports on grass for over 3,000 years, it is surely not essential to change this now.  The argument for turf is that it is an even playing field that is more durable so that teams can practice safely all year long.  There are plenty of cons too, such as overheating, lead poison, and pollution.  I won't argue however, that the cons outweigh the pros or vice versa,  because frankly it doesn't matter.  I am more focused on the fact that our nation is going through recession and New Trier is focused on laying down fake grass.