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Board reviews Stone Memorial High School field and track options: bermuda, turf or rebuild
Summary
District consultants and staff presented options and cost estimates to replace or rehabilitate the Stone Memorial High School football field and track; estimates ranged from roughly $60,000 (sod contingency) to $1.2 million (synthetic turf) plus a $790,000 track replacement estimate.
The board received estimates and recommendations on the football field and track at Stone Memorial High School and discussed maintenance and contingency options.
Mr. Chamberlain and consultant Baseline told the board that replacing the field with natural Bermuda grass, adding a new sprinkler system and installing under‑field drainage would be an estimated $785,000. They said the existing field was constructed without under‑field drainage and that the perimeter drainage system around the track exists but appears to need maintenance. "Total cost on that effort would be $785,000 is their estimate to do this," Chamberlain said.
Baseline also offered a synthetic turf alternative. The consultant estimated synthetic turf — including removing the field crown and rebuilding a level surface — at approximately $1.2 million. Chamberlain described tradeoffs: synthetic turf carries a higher initial cost but typically requires less long‑term field maintenance, while a well‑maintained Bermuda surface can be sustained for many years with appropriate cultural practices.
The district discussed lower‑cost contingency work to restore playability if the board declines a full replacement. Dr. Maddox described a maintenance plan that includes killing out fescue and other grasses, spreading sand and overseeding or sprigging Bermuda where viable. He estimated a worst‑case contingency (sodding the entire surface inside the track) at roughly $60,000; he said a well‑executed sprigging and sand program could restore playability in six to eight weeks in good weather.
Separately, the consultant estimated replacing the track surface with a urethane system and associated base work at about $790,000. Board members discussed prioritization and whether maintenance funds or capital dollars should pay for the work; staff said they would present options for prioritization and funding during the budget process.
No formal decision was made. District staff said they would continue contingency work to preserve the field for the upcoming season and return with procurement or phased options for board consideration.
