I think the ROI would be influenced by the situation as well, for example, North Posey had a water issue that had completely ruined the track. The whole field had to be destroyed to fix the problem, it was going to cost over $200,000 to have grass put back and $700,000 to have turf. Over the last 15 years we have spent over $200,000 to try to have a decent grass field and that doesn't include watering or mowing expenses. To keep damage down the PE classes didn't use it, the Varsity or JV didn't practice on it, the band was limited with their usage, and when we host relay for life we had to keep people off it.
Now everyone gets to use it, the youth league, JR High, and High School teams all practice on it. Track team will use it (especially helpful for runners with fighting shine splints,) the baseball/softball teams will have access to use it during wet practices, the boys and girls soccer teams can have games on it (although so far they don't want too,) we can include the field into our relay for life event, and the PE classes spend more time on it than any sport!
No doubt the initial expense is high and we don't know yet what we don't know about its upkeep, but I can tell you it sure looks nice. Many in our community are proud of it, and we are sure using it compared to the old grass field. I think it could become a community builder with our relay for life and some other activities we plan to use it for in the future.
What schools are on their 3rd turf field?