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School committee approves purchase and reinstall of Marciano Stadium turf, citing cost savings
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Summary
The committee voted unanimously Oct. 7 to approve purchasing and reinstalling Marciano Stadium turf, after facilities staff said buying turf directly and bidding installation could save “a few $100,000” (committee cited roughly $400,000); funding sources must be confirmed before issuing the installation RFP.
The Brockton School Committee approved a plan Oct. 7 to buy new synthetic turf for Marciano Stadium and advertise an installation-only RFP, a change facilities staff say could lower costs.
Facilities Director Ken Thompson told the subcommittee that the district can purchase the turf product directly from a supplier (the vendor would warehouse the turf until installation), then solicit bids only for installation. Based on an Activitas full‑package estimate and the district’s own pricing, Thompson said the approach could save “a few $100,000”; other committee remarks put the potential savings at about $400,000.
The turf’s current GMAX safety test passed, Thompson said, but members noted the field is beyond its useful life — last major work was around 2010 — and needs replacement for safety reasons. The district has discussed new shock‑absorbing padding as a modern safety mechanism.
Committee member Vega moved to approve the purchase and reinstallation approach as presented. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously by show of hands.
Thompson and staff emphasized that an RFP for installation will only be released once funding is confirmed. The mayor noted the city council had approved $1.8 million to resurface Marciano Stadium — an appropriation the committee hopes can cover the work but cautioned local finance timing can change.
The committee did not adopt a specific contract or vendor at the meeting; the approval was to proceed with the purchase/installation approach and prepare procurement materials.
