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School board approves $1.61 million bid for all‑turf Worthington softball complex after debate over soy‑backed turf
Summary
Worthington Public School District trustees awarded a $1,610,249 bid for comprehensive softball field improvements, approving an all‑turf design that uses a soy‑backed outfield product; board members pressed administrators on potential toxicity, drainage and sliding‑safety concerns before the motion passed.
The Worthington Public School District school board voted to award the softball field improvement contract to the low bidder, approving a $1,610,249 all‑turf proposal that will replace the existing infield and outfield, new dugouts, fencing, bleachers, press box and lighting.
District facilities director Josh told the board the project drew five bids and that the recommended package is the highest quality option presented, with an all‑field Astroturf “college level” system. The bid included a $26,268 option for specialty infield turf inserts, nearly $103,000 for bleachers and press box, and roughly $188,000 for field lighting. Josh said the turf manufacturer offers replacement infield pieces that can be swapped out periodically as they wear.
Board members questioned health and safety tradeoffs in lengthened discussion. One committee member said they had “lots of questions about the toxicity of the astroturf,” citing concerns about chemical runoff, extreme‑temperature emissions and the safety of sliding on a turfed infield; that member said they continued to support natural grass pending better information. Josh responded that the outfield product uses a soy‑based oil in its backing rather than petroleum‑based oil, and that the proposed infield is a different, shorter‑cut turf designed to reduce friction and improve playability. “The product we’re proposing actually has less of the black plastic rubber fibers … it truly feels and looks and plays like a more natural surface,” Josh said.
Mr. Parish and other board members noted permitting discussions with the state and city were underway; officials said the state likely would defer to local permitting, which the administration said would speed the timeline. Administrators also said potential local partnerships and grant dollars could offset costs if the soy‑backed option is chosen.
Motion and vote: Matt moved to approve awarding the contract to LT Companies/Parkway Construction (motion seconded by Darla); the board approved the motion by voice vote.
The board left several follow‑up items for staff: gather additional toxicity and drainage research about soy‑backed turf, document expected maintenance and replacement schedules for high‑wear infield inserts, and coordinate permitting steps with the city. The district indicated a mid‑day groundbreaking was possible if permitting and schedules align.
What’s next: The administration will finalize permitting and funding details and return with implementation information and a project timeline as required.
