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Governor Wentworth board approves up to $830,000 to replace Alumni Field turf
Summary
The school board voted 8–1 to approve up to $830,000 from the Turf Field Capital Reserve Fund to replace the Alumni Field turf; the district will await lab results to decide reuse of infill materials and proceed with procurement through the Omnia process.
The Governor Wentworth Regional School Board voted 8–1 on Feb. 3 to expend up to $830,000 from the Turf Field Capital Reserve Fund to replace the turf at Alumni Field.
Superintendent Caroline Arakelian and Athletic Director Vaughn Beckwith presented the case for replacement, describing heavy annual use over roughly 15 years and maintenance challenges for a sod alternative. Business Administrator Kathy O’Blenes said the district’s December 2024 Turf Field Replacement Trust balance was $882,542 and that the district’s estimate for replacement materials was $758,205; the board’s disbursement authority was set “up to $830,000” to allow for a 10% contingency.
The public hearing included detailed questions from community member Bobbi Boudman about bidding, removal and disposal of existing infill, adhesives and chemicals used in installation, effects on nearby wells, and long-term health concerns, including the “risk of cancer.” Beckwith and Josh Rocconi, New England territory manager for Shaw Sports Turf, responded with technical detail and pointed the public to vendor testing and public data; Rocconi said the company’s view is that “even a poorly maintained turf field is infinitely safer for athletes than a well-maintained sod field.” Board member James Pittman said impact testing (GMAX) prompted urgency and that committees had reviewed the issue monthly while lab test results on infill reuse remain pending.
During deliberations, trustees discussed the trust fund process, warranty and lining guarantees, GMAX testing results and costs, procurement through Omnia, and the plan for testing to determine whether infill can be reused or recycled. The motion to call the question passed 7–2 before the main motion was approved 8–1 (mover: James Pittman; seconder: Dr. Elizabeth Sheckler).
Next steps announced during the meeting include finalizing procurement under the Omnia cooperative, receiving and reviewing chemical and GMAX lab results to determine infill disposition, and executing replacement work within the district’s planned timeline. The district did not specify a construction start date during the meeting.
