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Moore County board opts for urgent resodding at Union Pines field after turf funding debate
Summary
After months of debate and public campaigning by the Union Pines Booster Club, the school board approved a $67,800 contract to resod Union Pines High School's main field, rejecting a proposal to immediately replace the surface with artificial turf costing roughly $1.2 million without a county funding plan.
The Moore County Board of Education approved a contract on June 9 to resod Union Pines High School’s football field, awarding Eastern Turf $67,800 to prepare and install new sod. The decision came after lengthy public testimony from the Union Pines Booster Club, an extended board debate over whether to pursue a full artificial‑turf replacement and several related budget and county‑funding discussions.
Why it matters: The Union Pines stadium field showed accelerated turf loss this spring, and school and booster leaders warned that without immediate work the field would not be playable for fall sports. Booster representatives and the school athletic director advocated for a turf replacement; county officials and several board members urged a broader funding plan that would address similar needs at other county high schools.
Public and expert input: Parent and booster leaders described frequent event use—football, lacrosse, band competitions and graduation—that contributed to accelerated wear. Turf expert Dr. Grady Miller (NC State, Turf Extension) evaluated the field and found an excessive organic thatch layer and localized turf loss; his written assessment recommended field renovation. Booster president Travis Green said boosters can contribute maintenance funds and pledged support for a longer plan; community members noted the field’s impact on athletics, arts and potential tourism uses.
Board debate and votes: Several board members pressed for a comprehensive county plan before committing to a $1.2 million artificial‑turf installation. A motion to authorize up to $1.2 million for immediate artificial turf failed on a tie (3‑3 with one recusal/absent), after which the board approved a smaller, immediate contract to resod the field and return later with plans for a countywide funding approach. The resodding contract with Eastern Turf ($67,800) passed on a voice vote.
Operational notes: Staff said resodding can be repurposed to other campus uses if a future artificial turf project proceeds; they also noted the district’s limited bond and reserve funds are earmarked for life‑cycle projects such as roofs and HVAC. District staff and boosters identified potential additional funding sources, including convention and visitors bureau grants and county commissioner support, and said they will pursue those options and a multi‑school plan.
What’s next: The district will install the new sod to ensure a safe, playable surface for fall activities and continue discussions with county commissioners, boosters and the convention and visitors bureau about longer‑term turf or field‑replacement funding across the district.
