Facilities committee presents field study; Clark Field repairs and turf options estimated

Facilities committee members updated the board on a conceptual athletic-field study and imminent work at Clark Field and the 5–6 Center. The committee said conceptual estimates show a new turf field would run roughly $820,000 plus about $30,000 for fencing, while maintaining grass fields would cost about $38,000 a year. The report is conceptual and administration said additional geotechnical study and drainage analysis are required before final recommendations.

Facility staff presented a change order to repair frozen sprinkler heads and valves in the 5–6 Center vestibule area; the work is estimated at $10,410 and will be paid from construction funds while insurance and vendor responsibility are pursued. For Clark Field (adjacent to KDM), a proposal under the existing construction contract included infield work of about $12,000 and outfield leveling and related work of roughly $35,750 to restore the field area impacted during 5–6 Center construction. The administration noted the restored Clark Field will continue to be used as overflow parking or for special events until turf/grass regrowth is adequate.

Facilities recommended modest rental-rate increases (about $5 per hour in many spaces) and the addition of the 5–6 Center gym and stage/learning area to the market-rate fee schedule because those spaces have seen high demand since opening. Committee members said the next step is another facilities meeting on June 16 to review more detailed options and estimated capital costs before any formal capital recommendation to the full board.

Board members asked about parking logistics during repairs and the timeline for turf or field improvements; administration said sequencing, drainage and permitting will determine the final schedule and that a detailed, costed proposal will follow the conceptual report.