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Officials outline $785,000 natural‑grass and $1.2 million synthetic turf options for Stone Memorial field; track replacement also estimated
Summary
Facilities staff and an engineering contractor presented two options for Stone Memorial High School’s football field — rebuilding with Bermuda grass with under‑field drainage (~$785,000) or installing synthetic turf (~$1.2 million) — and estimated a track replacement at roughly $790,000. Staff outlined lower‑cost maintenance and phased contingency‑
Mr. Chamberlain, speaking for district facilities, summarized contractor estimates for Stone Memorial High School's athletic complex and described drainage issues that have affected the field's condition. He said Baseline (a regional athletic‑field firm engaged for the review) recommended rebuilding the field with Bermuda grass, upgrading the sprinkler system and installing an under‑field drainage system as an option; Baseline estimated that work at about $785,000. Chamberlain said the figure is an estimate and competitive public bids would be required.
Chamberlain said installing synthetic turf would eliminate some routine maintenance but requires a higher initial investment; Baseline's estimate to replace the playing surface with synthetic turf was about $1.2 million with an expected useful life of roughly eight to 10 years.
Chamberlain also told the board that the track surface has reached the end of its useful life. The recommended replacement with a urethane track surface, striping and associated work was estimated at about $790,000.
Board members and staff discussed lower‑cost maintenance alternatives. Dr. Maddox (district staff) described a contingency approach that would kill invasive fescue and winter rye, assess remaining Bermuda coverage, apply sand and sprig or sod the field where necessary — a strategy he estimated could restore playability for the coming season at a substantially lower cost (he cited a rough figure around $60,000 for a full sod option, including drainage riser work). Dr. Maddox said Bermuda, if properly maintained and irrigated, can be long‑lived and is serviceable for play in six to eight weeks after sprigging and sand infill work.
Chamberlain and Dr. Maddox also reviewed maintenance steps: clearing and maintaining perimeter drainage, repairing drain grates and ensuring proper mower and grounds equipment to sustain Bermuda turf. The board and staff discussed funding sources and whether to prioritize these projects in the maintenance budget. No procurement vote took place; staff said they will present formal bid packages and updated cost figures if the board directs them to proceed.
