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Board approves $8,528 purchase of 16‑foot turf sweeper to maintain district turf fields
Summary
The board authorized purchase of a Pioneer Athletics 16‑foot turf sweeper with a lifetime warranty to sweep debris and redistribute rubber infill on district turf fields; the purchase passed with one abstention.
The Southgate Board of Education on May 27 approved purchase of a 16‑foot turf sweeper from Pioneer Athletics for $8,520.35 (motion authorized not to exceed $8,528.35), intended to collect debris and return rubber infill to district turf fields at the stadium, baseball and softball facilities.
Staff described demonstrations on district fields and said the sweeper picks up small debris—sunflower seeds, tape and other litter—and returns the rubber infill through a screen while collecting waste in a container for disposal. The sweeper is a drag‑mat style device to be towed by a Gator; staff said a separate groomer will still be used to stand the turf fibers after sweeping.
Staff recommended the Pioneer Athletics model because it offered a lifetime warranty and performed well during the demo; a competitor offered a two‑year warranty and a lower price. The board voted to authorize the purchase; one board member abstained from the vote because of a volunteer coaching role with athletics programs.
