School/community athletic fields

Currently I'm part of an initiative to convince our schools and city to install two turf fields and a new high school track in our community. At a cost of $2.5 million I expect it will be difficult in this economy, but it is all really needed. We have far too few fields for all the youth and school sports in our city and we are land-locked so making new fields is not an option. At the moment games and practices are regularly cancelled due to poor field conditions. Our high school track is in such bad shape that the track team hasnt hosted a home meet in 2 years. It is really an embarassment. Our city and schools place a lower priority on athletics than any place in this country I've seen.

Anyway, just wondering if anyone has some experience and advice on these types of initiatives that might be helpful. Any opinions or experiences with the realities of turf fields would also be appreciated.

Do you have a turf field in your community? Does it make a big difference?