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Tri-Creek construction manager outlines turf drainage, concrete and finish issues at new athletics site
Summary
A Skillman representative updated the Tri-Creek School Board on natatorium progress and a range of quality-control issues at new athletic fields and site concrete, including recurring turf ponding. The district will conduct compaction testing and pursue contractor remedies where needed; no formal contract changes were made at the meeting.
Skillman construction representative Nathan Muscheski told the Tri-Creek School Corporation Board on June 12 that work on the natatorium and summer exterior improvements is progressing but that site-quality issues at the new athletic fields require further testing and possible corrections.
Muscheski said the natatorium remains in heavy structural work and “we are making great progress,” and that the contractor team will continue masonry, structural steel and mechanical work for several months as a roof is finished and decks are poured. He also outlined exterior work at the high school and said the district received energy-rebate funds from NIPSCO earlier this year.
The more contested part of Muscheski’s update focused on the new artificial turf and adjacent track and site concrete. Muscheski described a subbase and infill arrangement that includes a thin “inch topping” of fine material approved during installation; FieldTurf and the architect had accepted the subbase, he said. The district has documented ponding on the turf at the west elevation near the 30–50 yard lines and has run on-site water tests. Muscheski said an independent compaction and density test is scheduled “in two weeks” and that FieldTurf will “pull the turf up and check” if tests suggest over-compaction or improper gradation.
Board member Kyle, who has raised the issue with coaches and administrators, directly questioned whether the product would drain properly and said, “We spent a lot of money... and now we have coaches standing out in water” after heavy rains. Muscheski acknowledged the district’s concerns and said Skillman and the specialty subcontractors would pursue testing and remediation, and that the contractor warranty and eight-year manufacturer warranty and third‑party testing reports are in the project binder.
Muscheski also reviewed quality-control photos for concrete surfaces and site asphalt. He said some concrete areas show ponding caused by finishing or form issues and outlined an action plan that could include power washing, additional topping coats or, if necessary, removal and replacement. He said the district should expect follow-up on those corrections within the month and that some fixes may involve “a tough battle” with contractors over whether to remove and replace.
Other items Muscheski noted: weed growth in low‑traffic corners of the turf that may be treated with herbicide; seam and sewing irregularities on one field that the manufacturer will review; and Pitchfork Playground completion targeted for Aug. 10. He emphasized Skillman’s role as the owner’s construction manager and said the district will not be charged for corrective work that is the contractor’s responsibility.
The board did not take formal action on construction remediation at the meeting; Muscheski said tests and further contractor discussions will determine whether removal-and-replace work is required.
District staff indicated they will continue to schedule targeted inspections during heavy downpours, share third‑party compaction and gradation reports with the board, and report back with results and proposed contractor remedies.
