Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Facilities And Operations topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board discusses high-school turf replacement and dome wear; PFAS and warranty questions raised
Summary
Board members and staff previewed plans to replace stadium turf, addressed dome wear-and-tear, and said vendors and warranty terms will be checked for safety concerns including PFAS and material composition.
Mount Olive Township School District officials and board members reviewed options to replace the high-school stadium turf and discussed wear at the indoor dome during the Feb. 10 board meeting.
The finance and operations committee presented sample materials for the proposed stadium surfacing and board members discussed durability, heating, and filler materials. "The turf that we're looking at is the next generation of turf in which we're trying to eliminate a lot of the... pellets," said board member Mr. Orzillo, summarizing the committee briefing. The discussion emphasized newer layers that resemble foam rather than crumb rubber pellets.
Board members and staff raised health and safety questions. "My concern is the PFAS... and all the plastics," said a board member during the meeting, noting that indoor areas such as the dome have worse circulation and that material off-gassing and exposure could be concerns. Facilities staff and Ms. Schoening, the district—s facilities director, said material safety was a front‑line criterion in vendor selection. "That was the only ones that we were willing to look at," Schoening said, adding that the selected products checked safety boxes and that the director of facilities had made on-site visits to evaluate types of turf.
The district said the vendor being considered offers a 12-year warranty. Board members asked staff to confirm remaining warranty life for the existing dome turf and whether rental and outside-group use voids or reduces useful life. Staff said they will obtain technical specifications from vendors about material composition, PFAS testing, expected life under heavy indoor use, and recommended footwear policies to extend turf life. One board member suggested adding suggested footwear rules to rental agreements so visitors use shoes that reduce wear.
Why it matters: The turf and dome are high-usage athletic assets the district rents to outside groups and uses for school athletics. Replacement is a multi-year capital decision with durability, health and procurement implications.
Next steps: The finance and operations committee plans further budget review at its Feb. 19 meeting, and staff will return with vendor specifications, warranty details and advice on possible rental contract language to protect turf life.
