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Grafton committee flags stadium turf for replacement as capital funds rise
Summary
After a public comment about a player injury, operations staff told the school committee the high-school stadium turf — past its expected lifespan — is slated for replacement with an estimated cost of about $750,000 and could be included in the district—s capital plan next summer.
Public comment prompted a discussion of the high school stadium turf on the Grafton School Committee agenda Wednesday, and the district—s operations lead said the field is on a likely path to replacement.
Doug Barnhill, in a public-comment slot, said his son was injured on the turf and asked whether the district has a plan to replace the surface. "Is there a plan in place to replace the turf on that field?" he asked.
Frank Rothwell, who delivered the operations update, said the current surface is beyond its intended life. "The turf field ... next year will be year 14. It has many tears ... 750,000 is the estimate that we," Rothwell said, describing tear repairs, reduced bounce and other wear that interfere with play and safety. He explained the replacement process would include removal of crumb rubber, installation of a cushion pad underlay and new turf, and that newer systems can use alternative, more environmentally friendly infills.
Rothwell said the district historically receives $500,000 to $600,000 in capital funds; town officials are currently expecting about $1 million for schools this cycle, which could allow the district to address the turf but would limit funding available for other repairs. "This provides that opportunity, to address the field that we've been talking about for the long tech," he said, adding community usage and rental demand complicate decisions about where to prioritize capital dollars.
Committee members raised the prospect of an override vote if more local funding is required to cover multiple major projects in the coming years. Rothwell said bids and scheduling still need to be worked out; stadium-light upgrades are going out to bid in early December, and the turf replacement would be planned for a summer installation to avoid disrupting fall athletics.
The committee did not take a formal vote on the turf replacement at the meeting; the item remains on the district—s capital planning list and will move forward through the town—s capital process and potential May town meeting funding if the select board and town decide to pursue purchase or allocation.
